Victims Assistance Center Notes Domestic Violence Awareness Month

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, almost 20 people a minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the U.S. Domestic Violence Awareness Month is very personal to us, explains family law expert, Bari Z. Weinberger, Esq., managing partner of Weinberger Law Group.

Loudoun County’s Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART) is drawing attention to the problem of domestic violence by encouraging people in Loudoun County to become involved in the observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.

The Victims Assistance Center of Jefferson County is a busy place.

During Domestic Violence Awareness Month we must focus on systemic and interpersonal ways that we can make homes everywhere more peaceful. It is sad and scary that a few domestic violence websites have to warn readers that their computers and phones may be monitored and that they therefore might consider researching help at a public library. FCDVAP also offers a 6 week structured and agenda formatted survivors group, which is open to all survivors of domestic violence.

Guest Speaker, Dr. Katrina Harden has witnessed domestic violence and has been a victim herself.

There is help and recovery ” Victims often feel helpless and like there’s no way out”, said Keri Marino, president of the Board of Trustees at DASI. Now a huge advocate, so much so that she has a “Survivor’s Class” at her year-old yoga studio called Pearll, in Franklin and donates proceeds to DASI. All services are free and confidential. DASI offers a host of resources for victims. It can happen to anyone of any race, age, religion or gender.

They hope to encourage people to speak up when they see others in violent and abusive situations with their new “Upstander Campaign”.

Wearing purple onThursday, October 22, 2015, to help generate discussion and awareness of domestic violence and dating abuse.

When it comes to domestic violence, Project Self Sufficiency, a vital community outreach program based in Newton, works closely with DASI on a variety of initiatives.

“Lisa did not deserve to die”, said Harden.