October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, an important time to take a step back and educate ourselves regarding this important and frighteningly prevalent issue. One in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. Nearly three out of four of Americans personally know someone who is or has been a victim of domestic violence. On average, more than three women and one man are murdered by their intimate partners in this country every day. Throughout Region 7, many branches are hosting events aimed at raising funds or supplies for their local domestic violence shelters. Of note, the University of Kansas Medical Center’s AMWA branch hosted a “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event to raise awareness and support of Rose Brooks Domestic Violence Shelter. This event, where men walk one mile in women’s high heels, is a fun opportunity to raise awareness in the community about the serious causes, effects, and remediations to sexualized violence. While it may not be easy, events like this provide an important venue for the community to talk about gender relations and sexual violence. Additionally, the University of South Dakota branch will be hosting a Domestic Violence Awareness Luncheon with a speaker discussing how to recognize signs of domestic violence with a special awareness on child abuse in pediatrics. For more information about domestic violence please click here.
