Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the first Day of Unity observed in October, 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The intent was to connect battered women’s advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children. The Day of Unity soon became a special week when a range of activities were conducted at the local, state, and national levels.
These activities were as varied and diverse as the program sponsors but had common themes: mourning those who have died because of domestic violence, celebrating those who have survived, and connecting those who work to end violence.
In October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. That same year the first national toll-free hotline was begun. In 1989 the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month Commemorative Legislation was passed by the U.S. Congress.
Interested in learning more about Domestic and Dating Violence? Try out our test below and see what your Dating Rating is.
What’s Your Dating Rating?
When you are on a date, do you…
a) take the lead and make the decisions
b) let the other person make the choices
c) make a shared decision on what to do
If a man spends a lot of money on a date, do you think…
a) the woman should have sex with him
b) the woman should at least kiss him
c) the woman owes him nothing
In a dating relationship, do you believe that…
a) you should make the first move
b) you should let your date make the first move
c) both people should talk about it and decide together
b) you think that you have to follow through with their wishes
c) it should stay at that point unless both agree on more
If you answered “C” to all the questions, you scored high on mutual respect and consideration. If you and your date both follow these beliefs then it is likely that both of you will have an enjoyable time. If you answered “A” or “B” to the questions then you may believe in traditional ideas about typical male and female roles in dating and may be at risk for dating violence.
Relationships should be based on respect, trust, and love - not on power and control. One of the most commonly used visual aids that address abusive relationships is the Power & Control Wheel. If you recognize one or more or a whole set of the behaviors and tactics on this wheel, you might be in an abusive relationship and you have the right find help.
For more information you can call:
These activities were as varied and diverse as the program sponsors but had common themes: mourning those who have died because of domestic violence, celebrating those who have survived, and connecting those who work to end violence.
In October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. That same year the first national toll-free hotline was begun. In 1989 the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month Commemorative Legislation was passed by the U.S. Congress.
Interested in learning more about Domestic and Dating Violence? Try out our test below and see what your Dating Rating is.
What’s Your Dating Rating?
When you are on a date, do you…
a) take the lead and make the decisions
b) let the other person make the choices
c) make a shared decision on what to do
If a man spends a lot of money on a date, do you think…
a) the woman should have sex with him
b) the woman should at least kiss him
c) the woman owes him nothing
In a dating relationship, do you believe that…
a) you should make the first move
b) you should let your date make the first move
c) both people should talk about it and decide together
If you are kissing and touching a lot on a date, do you feel that…
a) your date wants to have sexb) you think that you have to follow through with their wishes
c) it should stay at that point unless both agree on more
If you answered “C” to all the questions, you scored high on mutual respect and consideration. If you and your date both follow these beliefs then it is likely that both of you will have an enjoyable time. If you answered “A” or “B” to the questions then you may believe in traditional ideas about typical male and female roles in dating and may be at risk for dating violence.
Relationships should be based on respect, trust, and love - not on power and control. One of the most commonly used visual aids that address abusive relationships is the Power & Control Wheel. If you recognize one or more or a whole set of the behaviors and tactics on this wheel, you might be in an abusive relationship and you have the right find help.
For more information you can call:
- Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse 208-883-4357 (24 hour crisis line)
- University Of Idaho Counseling and Testing Center 885-6719
- University Of Idaho violence Prevention Programs 885-2956