October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. According to the United States Department of Defense, the observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month was “created to raise awareness about how to report domestic abuse and encourage community members to speak up if they suspect abuse”.
At The Pregnancy Network, we want to make you feel seen, safe, and loved. We’ve created a list of resources to help you make a plan and get out safely if you’re experiencing domestic violence. There is hope and healing available to you, and you can do this.
Know The Signs
The One Love Foundation lists 10 signs* of unhealthy relationships:
- Intensity – When someone expresses very extreme feelings and over-the-top behavior that feels overwhelming.
- Manipulation – When someone tries to control your decisions, actions, or emotions.
- Sabotage – When someone purposely ruins your reputation, achievements, or success.
- Guilting – When someone makes you feel responsible for their actions or makes you feel like it’s your job to keep them happy.
- Deflecting Responsibility – When someone repeatedly makes excuses for their unhealthy behavior.
- Possessiveness – When someone is jealous to a point where they try to control who you spend time with and what you do.
- Isolation – When someone keeps you away from friends, family, or other people.
- Belittling – When someone does and says things to make you feel bad about yourself.
- Volatility – When someone has a really strong, unpredictable reaction that makes you feel scared, confused, or intimidated.
- Betrayal – When someone is disloyal or acts in an intentionally dishonest way.
*These are not comprehensive. Domestic violence can be emotional, physical, physiological, or economic. If you feel unsafe, reach out for help.
4 Resources to Help
Family Justice Center
This Guilford County resource offers a wide range of support services such as talking with a victim advocate, getting assistance with filing a restraining order, planning for safety, talking to a law enforcement officer, meeting with a professional to discuss civil and criminal legal issues, receiving medical assistance, gaining information on how to access shelter, and other community resources
The Family Justice Center has locations in Greensboro and High Point and offers walk-in appointments Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-7233
Or text START to 88788
Women’s Resource Center
The Women’s Resource Center of Greensboro offers legal resources, strategies to help women get jobs through the Women to Work Program, community education and self-esteem workshops, community resource counseling, and more.
Domestic Shelters
If you need assistance with housing, Domestic Shelters can help you find housing resources near you that specialize in assisting domestic violence survivors.
Love Shouldn’t Hurt
If you or someone you know is questioning the health of a relationship, remember that everyone deserves to feel safe and loved. Reach out to one of the above resources today.
(2023, October 3). October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Events Call for Unity to End Abuse. U.S. Department of Defense. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3546015/octobers-domestic-violence-awareness-events-call-for-unity-to-end-abuse/#:~:text=This%20national%20observance%20was%20created,%22United%20Against%20Domestic%20Abuse.%22
(n.d.). 10 Signs Of An Unhealthy Relationship. One Love Foundation. https://www.joinonelove.org/?gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwyY6pBhA9EiwAMzmfwRK1cSiQiK72k2kTOAbx_rnzMb7OWotyizLpFi7XKkjhEqVgC1wmTxoCmMYQAvD_BwE
Chloe Belk
Chloe is the Communications Coordinator at The Pregnancy Network.