In October of 1987, Domestic Violence Awareness Month was launched nationwide by the National Coalition for Domestic Violence to generate awareness for domestic violence issues and to connect individuals and organizations that work to combat domestic violence and to support survivors. That same year, the first national domestic violence toll-free hotline was initiated.
In 1989, the United States Congress passed a law that officially created October Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Purple is the official color for domestic violence awareness. Purple signifies peace, survival, honor, courage, and hope.
October represents a chance to share information with one another about healthy relationships, ways to prevent domestic violence, and resources available for survivors, such as how to find a reputable domestic violence lawyer in San Diego, CA. Although more and more is being done toward preventing domestic violence and providing support to survivors and their loved ones, there’s still important work ahead.
Domestic Violence Definition in the Law
Domestic violence includes a wide range of behaviors. These can be psychological, physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or technological actions or threats of such actions. Other patterns of coercive behavior that impact someone within a family or partnership can also be considered domestic violence.
It can be challenging to establish whether certain actions or words are sufficient evidence for a domestic violence restraining order to be issued. Sometimes, the behavior may not be enough for a court to make a finding of domestic violence.
On the other hand, when actions and/or words amount to a threat, destroy the mental or emotional calm of the other party, or are so bizarre as to create unpredictable danger, they may well support a finding of domestic violence by a court. Consulting an experienced domestic violence lawyer can help victims understand and tackle this situation and regain their peace.
Intersectionality of Domestic Violence
While domestic violence affects people of all ages, social, racial, and religious groups, there are marginalized groups that are more susceptible to it. Sadly, domestic violence is the third leading cause of homelessness in the United States. Also, children exposed to domestic violence often experience long-term consequences, including behavioral problems, difficulty at school, health issues, and substance abuse.
It is important to recognize the complexity of domestic violence and the fear of many survivors to report abuse. Every community deserves access to prevention programs and initiatives to improve community health and safety by challenging societal norms that perpetuate violence. Aside from domestic violence lawyers, we all play a vital role in disrupting the cycle of domestic violence in our own lives and the lives of our community members.
Domestic Violence Resources
Seeking help is not always easy. Often, residual effects of trauma can make tasks that once felt like a breeze seem extremely difficult. If you are struggling to get back on your feet, you are not alone.
Domestic violence programs in California provide crucial and lifesaving services for survivors and their children. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence and are seeking assistance, you can use this interactive map with over 170 organizations in California that are dedicated to providing help and resources to survivors.
If you are outside of California, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 to get resources in your state.
Where can you find a trustworthy domestic violence lawyer in San Diego, CA?
If you’re experiencing domestic violence, you deserve the proper help to regain your peace and safety. A reliable domestic violence lawyer at JWB Family Law can take on your case, explain your legal options, and get you to the other side.
Our firm specializes in family law and has years of experience, so you can rest assured we’ll handle the issue with utmost care and expertise. Regardless of where you are in San Diego County, don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule a consultation with us.