Domestic Violence Awareness Month, observed every October, has taken on greater significance this year as reports of domestic abuse are skyrocketing. This comes at a time when many of the traditional domestic violence support agencies are grappling with the best and safest ways to conduct outreach and provide emergency shelter to those escaping a violent environment.
The Children’s Center of the Antelope Valley (CCAV) has just launched a new program that offers a network of support to domestic violence survivors. Funded by a grant from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, the program is specifically aimed at helping individuals overcome barriers to employment and self-sufficiency by offering:
- Counseling services
- Support groups
- Court accompaniment
- Assistance with education and employment
- Referrals to community-based resources for shelter, legal and mental health support
- Life skills classes
- Domestic violence education classes
“The lockdown has forced people to spend more time together at home amidst mounting financial pressure and the stress of uncertainty, which has frayed nerves and contributed to violent behaviors,” said Maritza Flores-Parra, CCAV’s domestic violence case manager, “Our goal is to break the cycle of trauma by removing barriers to financial independence for victims of domestic violence.
Domestic violence includes any aggressive behavior within the home involving physical or sexual abuse. The violent behaviors are often accompanied by verbal and emotional abuse and acts of dominance or control. The devastating consequences of domestic violence have a lasting and traumatic impact on everyone within the home.
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, observed in October since 1989, raises awareness about and acknowledges the impact of domestic violence in America. Every year more than 10 million people in the US are victims of domestic abuse, and many millions of children are exposed to this violence.
