Victims of Domestic Violence Encouraged to Get Help

By Melanie Slone

One in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience some form of domestic violence in their lifetime, according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), a national campaign focused on raising awareness about domestic violence and celebrating progress made to end it.

It is a time to honor victims and survivors and applaud advocates, policymakers, and community members in the collective effort to end domestic violence, says the California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB).

Victims of domestic violence are 3 times more likely to suffer an anxiety disorder. Throughout October, victims are encouraged to reach out for help.

For Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the San Diego Domestic Violence Council will host Hope & Healing, Families for Change. The Opening Ceremony is October 2, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., at South Bay Community Services, 318 4^th Ave., Chula Vista. The North County regional event is October 15, 12–3 p.m., at One Safe Place, 1050 Los Vallecitos Blvd., San Marcos.

Help in North County

In North County San Diego, victims can contact or visit One Safe Place, where there are protocols in place to protect them.

“One Safe Place is now 111 partners strong and ready to provide wrap around services to victims of abuse like domestic violence,” says Claudia Grasso, a deputy district attorney and the Executive Director of One Safe Place. “Services include assistance with restraining orders, connections to emergency housing, food, clothing, therapy, connections to legal services like immigration and so much more.”

Language is not a barrier to getting help. “We have Spanish speaking staff ready to help” at One Safe Place, says Claudia Grasso.

Services Offered at One Safe Place