RENO - October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time when experts and those professionals who work with victims of domestic violence are planning events that educate the public, inspire action, and inform victims of the help and services that are available as they struggle to live violence-free.
These activities are particularly important in Nevada. According to a study released by the Violence Policy Center (VPC) on Sept. 25, "When Men Murder Women: An Analysis of 2011 Homicide Data," Nevada ranked 16th in the nation in the rate of women killed by men.
"We are cautiously optimistic as we celebrate, says Sue Meuschke, executive director of the Nevada Network Against Domestic Violence, (NNADV) because in the previous three years, Nevada ranked first in the nation. This rate was more than double the national average and Nevada held the top position for five of the last six years."
Meuschke continued, "These statistics are a grim reminder that domestic violence can escalate to homicide. More resources are needed to protect women and prevent such tragedies. This October, domestic violence service providers and allied professionals across our state are coming together to end abuse, speak out against domestic and sexual violence and become part of the solution."
October is the ideal time to commit to ending domestic and sexual violence. Here are some suggestions to take a stand against domestic and sexual violence:
• Examine your own life for violence and hurtful behaviors. No one deserves to be abused. You are not alone and there is help available.
• Develop a safety campaign in your workplace, neighborhood, school, or house of worship. Build a consensus that abusive behavior and language is unacceptable.
• Learn more about violence prevention and join the Green Dot movement beginning in Nevada www.livethegreendot.com.
• Learn more about the domestic violence services in your community and make a donation of time by volunteering or make a financial contribution.
• Talk to a teen about healthy relationships and discuss relationship abuse as part of a school-based curriculum on dating and family violence.
• Post awareness materials in your workplace.
• Speak with your health care provider about routine screening for domestic violence, child abuse, and elder abuse.
Guidelines and educational tools to improve health care's response to domestic violence are available from the National Health Care Resource Center on Domestic Violence: http://www.futureswithoutviolence.org/section/our_work/health.
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