Family Law: October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Sadly, in family law we do encounter victims of violence in the home. So we support the national Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October and provide the following links as a public service.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a national event, is meant to increase knowledge of ways to identify and help those who suffer from violence in the home. According to the National Network to Eliminate Domestic Violence, “Domestic violence thrives when we are silent.” In our family law practice, we certainly have seen this is so.

In Bucks County, A Woman’s Place is a shelter for women who have suffered from domestic violence. The center has multiple events planned to increase awareness, including candlelight vigils and information sessions.

Domestic violence affects men, too. Individuals of either sex who have experienced violence in their home can contact the Network of Victim Assistance of Bucks County or go to the County’s Domestic Violence Task Force at the County web site.

The NNEDV suggests the following ways to further support victims and learn about ways to identify signs of abuse and what to do to help.

*Volunteer your time or make a donation to your local Domestic Violence victim support programs.

*Wear Purple during the month of October as a gesture of solidarity; National Purple Thursday is October 20, 2016

*Participate in 2016’s National Week of Action from October 16 through 22, 2016

*Talk with family, friends, colleagues and neighbors about domestic violence, to help erase the stigma of bringing up the topic.

*Read a Book that deals with the topic of domestic violence and its after-effects.