CEO Update 10.9

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. As we continue to navigate uncertainty in our communities with COVID-19, job losses and political discussions arising all around—we came together early this week with community leaders and first responders from across the Treasure Valley in solidarity for victims and survivors of domestic violence. We heard from a former WCA client and survivor about her journey; we heard remarks from elected officials, service providers and law enforcement leaders. One message was loud and clear: we are here for those in our community who are impacted by the trauma of domestic abuse. We will continue to collaborate, train and reach out to ensure we are here when our community needs us. Click here to view the Facebook Live replay.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) identifies four main types of domestic abuse or intimate partner violence (IPV)—and these affect everyone; however, statistically, certain populations are disproportionately affected.

• Physical Violence
• Sexual Violence
• Stalking
• Psychological Aggression

Here are just a few facts directly from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence:

• 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have been victims of severe physcial violence (i.e. beating, burning, strangling) by an intimate partner in their lifetime
• An estimated 29.1% of African American females are victimized by intimate partner violence in their lifetime (rape, physical assault or stalking)
• 19.3 million women and 5.1 million men in the United States have been stalked in their lifetime
• According to the National Violence Against Women Survey (NVAWS), African American women experience higher rates of intimate partner homicide when compared to their White counterparts
• 43.8% of lesbian women and 61.1% of bisexual women have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner at some point in their lifetime, as opposed to 35% of heterosexual women
• Transgender victims are more likely to experience intimate partner violence in public, compared to those who do not identify as transgender
• In a study of male same sex relationships, only 26% of men called the police for assistance after experiencing near-lethal violence

The WCA strives to provide services to all those impacted by the trauma of domestic abuse—in any form. And, contrary to what many in our community may think, most of our services ARE available to men and those who may not identify in a heterosexual relationship. We serve those who are looking to heal and find freedom. Our counseling, case management, court advocacy, safety planning, and financial empowerment programs are all available to any client—regardless of gender identity, race, religion, or sexual orientation.

Thank you for your continued support. Thank you for helping us start conversations and work to break the cycle of domestic abuse in our community and to help ensure those being impacted have access to the resources they need. Together, we can work toward the WCA’s vision of a community where individuals thrive in safe, healthy relationships. Everyone deserves this.

What can I do?

• Check out our virtual Clothesline Project
• Join our Domestic Abuse Social Media Awareness Campaign. Click here for the digital toolkit
• Watch and Share:
  Threatens My Pet = Domestic Abuse
  – Facebook
  – Youtube
• Read and Share:
  – Threatens My Pet: This is Abuse
  – Controls Who I See: This is Abuse
• Join us for our Virtual Healing Begins with Hope Outreach and Fundraising Event October 30 or 31. Hear the inspirational stories of former WCA clients and find out how you can support survivors of Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault in our community.
• We are coming to you virtually for community education! Email our outreach team for information about our virtual toolkit or to schedule a presentation

Back to Blog >>