October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

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Domestic Violence purple ribbon

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). 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 during October to unite advocates across the nation in their efforts to end domestic violence. DVAM is a chance for victims, survivors, advocates, supporters, and political leaders to come together to end domestic violence.

It is a time of solidarity and support, and to listen to the victims and survivors who choose 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 a person in an intimate relationship against another. The term can also refer to violence against 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 physically or psychologically prevent a partner from doing what they want, or force them to behave in ways they do not want.

Abuse, regardless of its form, is never 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 married couples, domestic partners, or dating. It can happen to anyone at any point in a relationship. It affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels. Incidents usually escalate in frequency and severity. Domestic violence may lead to serious physical injury or death.

HFC resources to support our community

Nobody deserves to be abused. Being abused is never your fault. Here are some resources at HFC 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. You may also contact Campus Safety for non-emergency questions at campussafety@hfcc.edu.

Counseling: 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.

Office of Student Conduct and Title IX: The Title IX Office supports our community in creating and sustaining an environment that is free from all forms of sexual misconduct and discrimination. All members of the HFC community are responsible for understanding and adhering 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.

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

Related content: DVAM: The Intersection of Homelessness and Domestic Violence