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Did you know that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month?
Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) evolved from the "Day of Unity" in October 1981 conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The intent was to connect advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children. The Day of Unity soon became an entire week devoted to a range of activities conducted at the local, state, and national levels. Then in 1987 the first DVAM was observed. That same year marks the initiation of the first national domestic violence toll-free hotline.(1)
As many of our E-News readers know, CANY provides drama therapy groups for survivors/witnesses of domestic violence through our partner site Palladia, Inc.
This week's group focused on the ways in which these women feel a loss of control in their lives as a result of their trauma. Meredith Dean and Jenny Kravat Solomon, CANY co-leaders, asked the women how they are able to maintain a sense of personal power and control. "I always have control over my dreams and my future," said one participant. "No one can take that away from me." At the end of their session, one woman enthusiastically declared, "I feel empowered after being in this group. I'm going to get my roommate to come next week!"
Help us continue to empower victims to become survivors.
Support our domestic violence programs with your donation.
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For more information about Palladia, visit them online.
For more information about DVAM, click here.
(1) Adapted from the 1996 Domestic Violence Awareness Month Resource Manual of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
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