Initially evolving from a “Day of Unity” in 1981, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). The focus of the month is to shed light on what domestic/relationship violence is. Often, domestic violence happens behind closed doors and numerous occasions people are ashamed, embarrassed, or not sure of their situation. However, three in four people know someone who has been involved in a Domestic Violence case. Through awareness, we are able to empower survivors to seek help, speak out, and not stay silent.
Domestic Violence, happen to both men, women, and those who identify as gender non conforming. In fact, every 9 seconds, a woman in the US is beaten or assaulted by a current partner or ex-significant other. Also, 1 in 4 men are victims of some form of physical violence by an intimate partner.
The Office of Student Equity and Title IX is dedicated to providing resources, support and awareness around Domestic Violence, not just in the month of October, but year around. For the month of October, Coastline College is proud to be hosting various workshops and activities. Let’s help break the cycle and start the conversation today.
Recognizing the Signs
Quite often, people are not sure what an abusive relationship looks like as abuse can happen verbally, physically, mentally and even financially. If you or someone you know is unsure, answer the following. If the answer is yes, we have the resources and support at Coastline and in the community to assist you.
How do you know if you are in an abusive relationship?
- Your partner threatens you or your family.
- Your partner has hit you, beat you, or strangled you in the past.
- Your partner is jealous, jealous to the point where they isolate you from family or friends.
- Your partner is possessive, you are not able to do anything without their permission.
- Your partner physically or sexually abuses you. If your partner has used force to make you have sex with them.
- Your partner is verbally abusive and puts you down with comments, calls you names, or humiliates you.
- Your partner places your paycheck in their account, and then refuses to give you access or denies you access to bank accounts.
- Your partner pressures you to send explicit videos or pictures.
If you believe you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, we at Coastline are here to help you.
Resources available to you include:
If you are in danger, call 911.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233
- Support and Resources- Title IX Director, Leighia Fleming, lfleming5@coastline.edu or text. Call her at 714-714-1063
- Counseling with our Mental Health Services, make an appointment today 714-241-6005
- Concerned for your safety on campus or off-campus contact Public Safety at 714-987-1958