The Women’s and Children’s Alliance kicked off Domestic Violence Awareness Month with the annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month Press Conference at the Ada County Paramedics headquarters in Boise. 
Officials from Ada County, Boise, Eagle, Garden City, Meridian, Kuna and Star came to show their support and stand in solidarity with victims of domestic abuse. They signed a joint agreement to declare the month of October Domestic Violence Awareness Month in their respective communities. This declaration is another step forward in the Women’s and Children’s Alliance’s mission to offer safety, healing and freedom from domestic abuse and sexual assault.
In 2017 alone there were 5,242 calls for domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse, according to the Ada County Sheriff’s Department. That’s only in Ada County – not the whole Treasure Valley.
That’s part of the reason the Press Conference took place at the Ada County Paramedics headquarters. Paramedics in Ada County work closely with victims of domestic violence frequently – they respond to around three strangulations a week, among other domestic violence calls.
Members of the Boise Police Department were also in attendance, including Chief Bill Bones. Police officers and paramedics are both on the front lines of the fight against domestic violence.
It’s important to note that domestic abuse has many different forms and doesn’t always end in a 911 call. Unfortunately, according to the CDC, about 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will be a victim of domestic abuse in their lifetime.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a time where we can educate our friends and families about the signs of domestic violence. Furthermore, we must help victims – some who we might know – find a safe path out of an abusive situation. Read more on that here.
One aspect of education is raising awareness about the issue. Our = Domestic Abuse Campaign started several years ago. This year we have five different posters. “Control Who I See = Domestic Abuse”; “Threatens My Pet = Domestic Abuse”; “Intentionally Hurts Me = Domestic Abuse”; “Threatens Our Kids = Domestic Abuse”; “Checks My Phone = Domestic Abuse”. Thanks to our generous donors we are able to reserve billboards across the Treasure Valley with this messaging. Our partnership with Boise State allows us to co-brand this campaign to reach students.
This is one aspect of our Domestic Violence Awareness Month that educates the public about this issue – so that all in the Treasure Valley can lead happy and healthy lives.
