Attorney General Steve Marshall has asked Alabamians to observe October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Marshall hopes that Alabamians will recognize those lives who were lost and damaged by domestic violence, celebrate and honor those who have survived, and show support for those who advocate for victims of such a horrible crime.
In a press release on Thursday, Marshall emphasized that public awareness and support is crucial in the fight against domestic violence.
“Public awareness is a vital weapon against domestic violence. This is a pervasive and secretive crime because offenders try to make victims believe the attacks are their own fault, and use the victims’ affection and dependence to keep them trapped in a vicious cycle. Sadly, whether we realize it or not, all of us know people whose lives have been marked by domestic violence. Victims need to know that they are not alone, that they need not be ashamed, and that they may be provided with justice.”
According to the Attorney General’s office, nearly one in three women will be physically assaulted by their partner. However, only one in four of those abuses are ever reported to police. Nearly 18 percent of all violent offenses reported in Alabama last year were domestic violence related. There were indications of domestic violence in 4,611 offenses including, 43 homicides, 238 rapes, 95 robberies, and 4,325 aggravated assaults.
Marshall praised the work of victims’ advocates across the state, who work to provide information and support to those affected by domestic violence. “Caring volunteers and professionals hear the cries of victims who were betrayed by those closest to them. It can begin with someone just listening and caring, and then showing the victims a way out where they had felt trapped and lost. Oftentimes, survivors may provide the strength and understanding to help others,” Marshall said.
Victims can obtain help by calling the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-650-6522, or the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233. The U.S. National Sexual Assault Hotline automatically connects to a local rape crisis program based on the caller’s area code. It can be reached at 1-800-656-4673. There are also numerous online resources to help victims receive the support they need. A list of shelters and other resources is available on the ACADV website.
“It will take all of us working together to fight domestic violence. Friends and families, local community members, victims’ advocates, law enforcement and prosecutors, we all stand with those who need our help to survive and overcome, to see that offenders are stopped and punished, and to remember and honor those who were lost,” said Attorney General Marshall.
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