Domestic violence awareness resources at Rehoboth library through Oct. 31
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This year, the Village Improvement Association Domestic Violence Committee is working with the Rehoboth Beach Public Library to provide information regarding the services and programs available to affected residents of our community. The library is hosting a table with information and free pamphlets and cards to educate the public about the importance of domestic violence awareness and provide contact information for help. The table displays are on view through Monday, Oct. 31 at the library.
The United States Department of Justice defines domestic violence as a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, financial or psychological actions or threats that influence the other person. Everyday three women in the United States lose their lives as a result of abuse and violence of an intimate partner.
The State of Delaware has multiple resources. Many nonprofits focus on primary prevention and awareness training, while the judicial system enforces the law, and social work is provided through various government agencies. The Domestic Violence Coordinating Council of Delaware is the state agency created by legislation in 1993. The purpose is to improve Delaware’s response to domestic violence and coordinate the activities of the committee work that is done. For more information including current state statistics, go to www.dvcc.delaware.gov.
The Delaware Coalition against Domestic Violence is a nonprofit that focuses on primary prevention of intimate partner violence. Their goal is to stop the violence before it starts. For more information about Delaware’s Plan for Primary Prevention of Intimate Partner Violence, email training@dcadv.org.
YWCA Delaware created a Sexual Assault Response Center. This crisis service is dedicated to the hope, healing and empowerment of victims of sexual violence. Through its success in just one year and additional grant money, SARC will expand and bring services to Sussex County. For more information, go to www.ywcade.org/SARC. For the Sexual Assault Response helpline, call 800-773-8570
Sussex County’s primary program is People’s Place, and the Safe Program is a division of People’s Place. This nonprofit provides 24 hour hotline services, domestic violence safe houses and shelters and domestic violence liaisons; and advocates for victims involved with the Department of Children, Youth and Families. People’s Place also provides community advocacy and a financial literacy program for domestic violence survivors. For more information, go to www.peoplesplace2.com. For the 24 hour hotline for help, call 302-422-8058.
The VIA Domestic Violence Committee’s continuing goal is to raise awareness of the need for advocacy in the pursuit of domestic violence prevention and to provide ways for victims to obtain help. One in four women experience domestic violence. The VIA members are proud to do their part to stop such violence.
