Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic violence is defined as a method of control that one partner in a relationship exerts over the other, including not only criminal behaviors such as physical assault and sexual abuse, but also other forms of control like mental and emotional abuse.

The effects of domestic violence are usually felt by women, although many men are also involved in abusive relationships. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, about 1.3 million women and 835,000 men are physically assaulted by a partner each year.

In North Carolina alone, local domestic violence programs responded to more than 100,000 calls and provided services to more than 40,000 victims in 2007, and, according to the North Carolina Department of Justice, 131 men, women, and children were murdered in homicides related to domestic violence in 2008. In addition, domestic violence negatively affects any children in the home. These children are more likely to be neglected or abused and often suffer from behavioral and emotional problems as a result.

On October 1, 2009, North Carolina governor Bev Perdue proclaimed October to be Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The theme of 2009 is “Safe Families, Safe Communities," with the ultimate goal to raise awareness of domestic violence in North Carolina and to take action to stop violence in families.

Contact Us

The Raleigh divorce attorneys of Marshall & Taylor Law Firm, P.C. believe that no one should suffer as a victim of domestic violence. If you or a loved one is involved in a physically abusive relationship, please don't hesitate to contact us at 919-833-1040.