Within our Walls: October 24, 2022

CHI supports Domestic Violence Awareness Month

CHI’s N.D. Violence Prevention Program is honoring October 2022 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). Our dedicated staff will use DVAM as an opportunity to inform domestic violence victims and the community about available help and resources. This DVAM CHI will stand together to show that violence and abuse have no place in our community. Everyone knows someone that has been impacted by domestic violence.

The statistics associated with domestic violence are epidemic. On a typical day in the U.S., three women are killed by a current or former intimate partner and more than 20,000 phone calls are placed to domestic violence hotlines. According to CAWS North Dakota, the state sexual assault and domestic violence coalition, last year 5,417 new domestic violence victims received services; these included transportation, emergency shelter, safety planning assistance, information on the criminal justice system, and referrals for other services.

Domestic violence is a major health issue. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that women who have experienced domestic violence are 80% more likely to have a stroke, 70% more likely to have heart disease, and 60% more likely to have asthma. In addition, domestic violence can lead to long-lasting mental health consequences including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and issues with alcohol or drug abuse. Children who witness domestic violence have a greater chance of experiencing behavioral health challenges and significant health issues as an adult.

Eight Catholic Health Initiative facilities in North Dakota joined together to create the CHI N.D. Violence Prevention Program. This Program is working to end the stigma surrounding domestic violence in our communities by providing trauma-informed training to professionals and healthy relationship workshops to individuals. As part of our DVAM 2022 activities, our associates will be wearing purple pins and our facilities will be displaying awareness materials to honor victims and survivors of domestic violence.

Domestic violence impacts millions of people each year, but it can be prevented. It requires the collective voice and power of individuals, families, institutions, and systems. CHI’s N.D. Violence Prevention Program encourages everyone to learn about how to end domestic violence in our communities.

No one deserves to live in fear. If you or someone you love is in an unhealthy or abusive relationship, help and support is available. Call the national domestic violence hotline at 1-800-799-7233 to talk to a trained domestic violence advocate today.

To learn more about local services visit http://www.cawsnorthdakota.org/