October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. HFC is committed to supporting the health and well-being of our community.

First observed in 1981 as a national “Day of Unity,” DVAM is held every October to unite advocates across the nation in their efforts to end domestic violence. DVAM is a chance for everyone – victims, survivors, advocates, supporters, and political leaders – to come together to end domestic violence.

This is a time of solidarity and support. It is also a time for victims and survivors to share their stories. When many people speak in a unified voice about domestic violence, we raise our collective awareness about this sensitive yet critical issue. Only through collaboration will it be possible to end domestic violence.

What is domestic violence?

Also known as domestic abuse, relationship abuse, or intimate partner violence, domestic violence is committed by at least one of the people in an intimate relationship against the other. In a broader sense, the term can also refer to violence against one’s immediate family members, such as children, siblings, or parents.

Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological actions or threats of actions that negatively influence another person. This includes any behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, or injure a person in order to maintain power and control over them. Domestic violence also includes behaviors that prevent a partner from doing what they want or force them to behave in ways they do not want.

One of the most important factors in domestic violence is the belief that abuse, regardless of its form, is acceptable. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender. It can occur within a range of relationships including couples who are married, living together, or dating. It can happen to anyone at any point in a relationship. It affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels. Incidents are rarely isolated and often escalate in frequency and severity. The violence may culminate in serious injury, hospitalization, or death.

HFC resources to support our community

No one deserves to be abused. Abuse is not your fault. You are not alone. Some resources to help you:

Campus Safety provides assistance, safety, and crime prevention services to the community. Call Campus Safety at 313-845-9630 from an outside phone or 9630 from a campus phone (if you call 9911 from a campus phone, the call will go directly to the Dearborn 911 Dispatch Center). Campus Safety can also be reached by email at campussafety@hfcc.edu.

Counseling Center: Counselors can help you improve your ability to make healthy decisions, provide an objective viewpoint for whatever you’re experiencing, and offer coping mechanisms. Contact Dr. Brenda Hildreth at 313-845-9611 or bjhildreth@hfcc.edu.

Employee Assistance Program is a free resource that supports the mental health of HFC employees. Here is a list of EAP services provided through Ulliance.

Student Conduct and Title IX: The Title IX Office supports our community in creating and sustaining an environment free from all forms of sexual misconduct and discrimination. All members of the HFC community are responsible to understand and adhere to HFC’s standards of behavior. Contact:

External resources

NOTE: HFC provides links to external resources solely as an informational service to our community. We do not endorse or partner with these external organizations. We cannot provide referrals or any services related to these organizations. We encourage you to ask questions and make sure the support services are right for you.

Public event: interactive panel

HFC and ACCESS will co-host an interactive panel discussion about domestic violence on Tuesday, October 21, from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. via Zoom. Everyone is welcome, and you do not have to identify yourself to listen in.

For questions or more information, contact Musaibli at 313-845-6315 or aamusaibli24128@hfcc.edu.

Related content: Domestic Violence Awareness Month video