KCSDV joins NNEDV in #Every1KnowsSome1 Month-Long National Campaign to Raise Awareness About Domestic Violence

TOPEKA, Kan. — Each year, in October, advocates, survivors and supporters recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM).

This fall, the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence (KCSDV) is joining the
National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) in their national combined campaign for Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) and #GiveForDV. These initiatives continue a coordinated national conversation about domestic violence, an overshadowed, but
fundamental, topic. DVAM raises awareness, increases donations and volunteer efforts, and deepens community engagement nationwide. This year’s DVAM theme, #Every1KnowsSome1, highlights how common domestic violence is, as well as its dynamics. Domestic violence is a pattern of coercion and abuse by one intimate partner toward the other. It is more than physical violence and includes emotional abuse, sexual violence, minimizing and denying the abuse, and more.

Domestic violence is very prevalent across the nation and in Kansas. One in four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetimes. Anyone, regardless of gender, race, sexual identity or orientation, or socio-economic status, can become a victim of domestic violence.
However, it is also true that belonging to a marginalized group increases vulnerability to violence, can be used as a tactic of abuse, and may create additional barriers to seeking help.

During one day in 2021, 761 victims received services at Kansas domestic violence advocacy programs. Those numbers include 335 adult and child victims who found refuge in shelters, transitional housing, hotels, or other housing provided by local domestic violence programs;
and 426 adult and child victims who received nonresidential assistance and services, including counseling, legal advocacy, support groups and more. Hotline staff received 251 contacts during this same day, averaging nearly 11 contacts per hour. Domestic violence hotlines are a
lifeline for victims in danger, providing support, information, safety planning, and resources. In total, sexual assault and domestic violence advocacy programs provided services to 70,020 Kansans in 2021.

By proclamation, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly recognized October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month declaring domestic violence as a widespread, preventable, public health problem impacting all demographics of Kansans and Kansas communities. The declaration is
shown below.

Throughout October and into November, KCSDV and NNEDV will be sharing content on their social media channels to raise awareness and educate the public on the complex dynamics of domestic violence.

There will also be two official #GiveForDV Giving Days—one on October 19, and one on #GivingTuesday on November 29. Supporters can get involved by finding their state coalition and local program at https://givefordv.nnedv.org/ 

Free and confidential help is available 24/7 for individuals experiencing domestic violence. Those seeking help may contact the Kansas Crisis Hotline at 888-363-2287 or find their local domestic violence advocacy program at www.kcsdv.org/find-help.

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Founded in 1982, the purpose of KCSDV is the prevention and elimination of sexual and domestic violence through a statewide network of programs providing support and safety for all victims of sexual and domestic violence and stalking with a primary focus on women and their children; direct services; public awareness and education; advocacy for victims; comprehensive prevention; and social change efforts. Learn more at https://www.kcsdv.org/.