To help create awareness for the many forms of domestic violence, in collaboration with the Family Life Center, we will feature information each Friday during the month of October in hopes that it will help make a difference, save a life, or change a behavior. We hope you’ll share the information as you never know whose life it may touch or impact. – Flagler News Weekly
Friday Feature Domestic Violence Awareness Month – #WeAreResilient
Guest Writer: Trish Giaccone, LMHC, NCC, CEO Family Life Center
The “Day of Unity” held in October 1981 was the inspiration for the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence to create Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) in 1987.
In the spirit of connecting advocates across the nation working to end violence against women and their children, this final article for DVAM 2021 is about the very people who pour their heart into victims and their children every day, true unsung heroes.
According to Merriam Webster, the definition of an advocate is someone who argues for or supports a cause or policy.
Supporting victims of domestic violence is the priority for the team at Family Life Center. Many advocates recognize the honor it is to walk alongside a victim in their despair, in their grief and in the pain experienced by victims each day. Providing emotional support is no easy feat, particularly on a daily basis. With over 3,000 domestic violence centers across the nation and more than 50% of the staff working at these domestic violence centers identifying as survivors of domestic violence, the work is very personal for so many. The engagement of Survivor-Advocates in the movement to end gender violence is invaluable to supporting change and promoting the importance of healthy intimate and familial relationships.
To this I send a huge THANK YOU to the advocates, regardless of their place of employment, who show up, stand up and speak up on behalf of victims.
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence 2021 Domestic Violence Awareness Month theme of #WeAreResilient reminds us all of the resiliency we have, particularly in light of previous trauma of intimate partner violence, dating violence, stalking or sexual assault from people who claimed they loved us. As we turn the page of the October 2021 calendar and move towards the holiday season, I pray we are rejuvenated in our passion to support one another as human beings going through a very unique human experience; caring for ourselves in a healthy manner and are always reminded of the importance of compassion and empathy. If you are interested in volunteering or working within the movement to end gender violence, feel free to contact the Family Life Center at 386-437-7747.
Please remember, #WeAreResilient and you are not alone.
If you are a victim of domestic violence and would like to speak to a Florida Privileged Advocate confidentially, feel free to call or text 386-437-3505.
