Did you know? Domestic violence affects a quarter of American families and accounts for more than a third of visits to emergency rooms by women. From The Second Step
Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) evolved from the “Day of Unity” held in October 1981 and conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The intent was to connect advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children.
What are the facts about Domestic Violence to be aware of?
- Each year, an estimated 3.3 million children witness their mothers or female caretakers being abused (American Psychological Association, 1996).
- Nearly 1 in 3 adult women experience at least one physical assault by a partner during adulthood. (American Psychological Association, 1996).
- Approximately 1.5 million women and 835,000 men are raped and/or physically assaulted by an intimate partner annually in the United States (Tjaden and Thoennes, 2000).
- Between 12% and 35% of teenagers have experienced some form of violence- from pushing and shoving to hitting- in a dating relationship (Simon and Golden, 1997).
In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I am doing a round-up of resources for kids. Last year, I created this list: Domestic Violence Books for Kids.
Alcohol abuse can also increase domestic violence. Between twenty-five and fifty percent of all domestic violence, incidents begin with drinking (Tennessee Association of Alcohol, Drug, and other Addiction). Here are some resources for kids who live in an alcoholic home.
Graphic Novel on Substance Abuse
I was thrilled to meet Jennifer L. Holm at a Nerdy Book Club Meet Up in Boston. She’s the nicest person ever!
Sunny Side Up by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm
Jennifer and Matt write:
Sometimes it’s hard to be a kid. It can be even harder when someone you love has a drug or alcohol abuse problem.
Like Sunny, we had a close relative who had serious issues with substance abuse. As children, we were bystanders to this behavior and yet it affected our whole world. It made us feel ashamed and embarrassed and scared and sad. Most of all, it was something we felt we had to keep secret.
We wrote this book so that young readers who are facing these same issues today don’t feel ashamed like we did. When someone in a family struggles with substance abuse, the whole family struggles with it. It’s ok to feel sad and confused and to need some help. And it’s definitely okay to talk about it.” [graphic novel, ages 8 and up]
To support Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I am donating 10% of what I make from my Amazon Affiliates sales to my local charity, The Second Step, which provides transitional housing and a wide variety of supportive services for survivors of domestic violence and their children.
What will you do to spread the word about stopping domestic violence? Please share!
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That was an informative post.Standing up against domestic violence is of utmost need.Keep spreading the good word 🙂
Thanks so much Tinipy!
This is an important subject for kids.
Erik
P.S. Ms. Holm is extremely nice! 😀
Hi Erik,
How fun that we both met her! She’s wonderful!! I’m a huge fan!
Being aware and prepared on any violence that might happen will help you counter act on that situation. Always keep your awareness on a high level so that you can manage to deliberated anything that might give you problem. Each one of us must be aware of any violence that can occur in your place.
Yes, that’s a great point. Awareness is really important.
Anything out there about preventing the abuse? My preteen is abusive …
I am currently writing and illustrating a picture book on domestic violence (which can also be used as a crossover for bullying, unhealthy relationships in general, and self love). It’s an introduction for ages 5 through 8. I haven’t been more passionate about a project, having been a victim of DV for six years. Looking forward to adding my book to this topic since early introduction to some of the cues is key for understanding it in hopes to avoid it. It’s tentatively titled SOME DAYS HE GROWLED, and it’s told in kid-friendly language, with colorful images. I am hoping to get it out by November 2022. I plan to offer via Kindle Unlimited, which is free for those who have that service. Hope it helps someone, somewhere. xoxo