This October, Fearless! Hudson Valley, Inc. is partnering with the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) as well as other state and territorial agencies across the nation, to start a coordinated national conversation about domestic violence and how we can all contribute to changing the narrative on this overshadowed, but fundamental topic. Each year in October, Fearless! staff, advocates, survivors, supporters and allies recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). Fearless! (Formerly known as Orange County Safe Homes) will host numerous county-wide events throughout the region.

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which first began in 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence as a Day of Unity to connect battered women’s advocates across the country.

Domestic violence affects millions, both women and men, of every race, religion, culture and status. It’s not just punches and black eyes -- it’s yelling, humiliation, stalking, manipulation, coercion, threats and isolation. It’s stealing a paycheck, keeping tabs online, non-stop texting, constant use of the silent treatment or calling someone stupid so often they believe it.

Since the Violence Against Women Act passed in 1994, we’ve come a long way. This landmark legislation, led by then Senator Joe Biden, combined new provisions that hold offenders accountable and provide programs and services for victims. Between 1993 and 2010, the overall rate of domestic violence dropped nearly two-thirds and state laws have reformed to address issues such as dating abuse in the workplace, stalking, employment discrimination and more.

This year’s observance began Monday outside the Orange County Government Center in Goshen with the celebration of the Day of Unity, which is the first Monday of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Activities throughout October will have themes of mourning those who were murdered by their current or former partners, celebrating those who have survived and connecting communities to end gender-based violence.

Upcoming events include a We Can Be Heroes 5k on October 16 at the Orange County Airport; “In Her Shoes” interactive workshops; Clothesline Project displays (interactive exhibit to increase awareness of the impact of violence and abuse, to honor a survivor’s strength to continue and to provide another avenue for them to courageously break the silence that often surrounds their experience) in Goshen, Port Jervis, Middletown, Monroe, Monticello and Newburgh; Escalation workshops, prevention and education trainings; online fundraising campaign throughout the month of October, and Wear Purple Day on October 20 (wear purple in memory of victims of domestic violence).

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, more than 10 million adults experience domestic violence in the United States each year. In 2021, Fearless! advocates answered 11,123 hotline calls, provided 21,708 sessions of supportive counseling, created 5,098 individual safety plans, 3,833 nights of safety through its shelter and provided 23,276 advocacy services.

If you are a victim of Domestic Violence or know of someone who needs help but may be afraid to seek it out, there is help available. Orange County residents can call 845-562-5340. In Ulster County, Family of Woodstock offers a 24-hour crisis hotline at 338-2370.There is also a National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233 or TTY 1−800−787−3224.