Domestic Violence Awareness Month: A crucial step towards community well-being

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Every October, Live Violence Free joins the national campaign to recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It is a time for all of us to bring awareness to the issue of domestic violence, which is more than a private matter – it is a community wellness issue that demands our collective attention and action.

Domestic violence affects millions of people worldwide, transcending boundaries of age, gender, socioeconomic status, and cultural background. According to Barton Health’s 2021 Community Health Needs Assessment, 22 percent of our community reported experiencing intimate partner violence, compared to 13 percent nationwide. Domestic violence ripples through families, neighborhoods, and entire communities. Recognizing domestic violence as a community wellness issue is a call to action that can have far-reaching consequences for society.

One of the fundamental reasons why domestic violence is a community issue is its profound impact on mental and physical health. Survivors of abuse often suffer from anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, which can lead to chronic health problems. This, in turn, strains healthcare systems, increases healthcare costs, and diminishes the overall well-being of communities.

The effects of domestic violence are not confined to the individuals directly involved. Witnessing violence in the home can have a lasting impact on children, affecting their emotional and psychological development.

Beyond the emotional and physical impacts, domestic violence carries an economic burden that reverberates through communities. It results in lost productivity and increased absenteeism at work, leading to financial instability for survivors and their families. The costs of healthcare, legal proceedings, and social services associated with domestic violence strain community resources and taxpayer dollars.

Community wellness is fundamentally based on the idea of building strong, resilient, and supportive neighborhoods. When domestic violence is left unchecked, it erodes the fabric of our communities. Victims often isolate themselves due to shame and fear, making them less likely to engage in community activities and seek the support they desperately need. In this way, domestic violence weakens the bonds that hold our communities together.

To address domestic violence as a community wellness issue, we must take proactive steps. This includes raising awareness through initiatives like Domestic Violence Awareness Month. By fostering a culture of respect, empathy, and communication, we can help prevent domestic violence from taking root in our communities.

Community members have a crucial role to play in addressing domestic violence. We must be compassionate and ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. Breaking the cycle of silence and stigma surrounding domestic violence is an essential step toward building healthier, more resilient communities.

Domestic violence awareness isn't just a campaign; it's a call to action for all of us. It's a recognition that the well-being of our communities depends on our collective commitment to preventing and addressing this issue. This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, let's stand together to support survivors, educate ourselves and others, and work toward building communities where love, respect, and empathy are the cornerstones of our well-being. Only then can we truly claim to be fostering community wellness for all.

This October and all year long, Live Violence Free stands with survivors of violence and abuse in our community. Now is the time to invest in community well-being and safety. Join us by donating, volunteering, or supporting someone in need. Together, we can ensure everyone in our community thrives.

- Chelcee Thomas, Ph.D., is the executive director of Live Violence Free. She grew up in the South Lake Tahoe Community and is a graduate of South Tahoe High. For more information, visit https://liveviolencefree.org/.