Most people know of October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. However, did you know it is now also National Domestic Violence Awareness Month? If not, here is your chance to find out more. The definition of domestic violence is "violent or aggressive behavior within the home, typically involving the violent abuse of a spouse or partner." A rather simple and straightforward definition, yet some people are unaware or in denial of their involvement whether the victim or the committer of the act.

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, or NCADV for short, provides some statistics on its website about this topic. Did you know:

• In the US nearly 20 people are physically abused by and intimate partner per minute, which equates to more than 10 million men and women per year
• 1 in 3 women have been victims of some form of physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime
• For men it is 1 in 4
• More than 20,000 phone calls are placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide in a day
• Women between the ages of 18 - 24 are most commonly abused by an intimate partner

Domestic violence is a prevalent issue nationwide. Situations involving weapons, such as a gun, only increase the severity and level of violence. If a weapon becomes involved, most cases turn into homicide quickly. In fact, 19 percent of cases involves a weapon. In situations of rape, almost half of female and male victims were attacked by acquaintances, and half of those were by intimate partners.

The physical and mental ramifications of domestic violence can be deadly. Some studies suggest a link between intimate partner violence, depression and suicidal behavior. Victims also are at a higher risk for addiction whether it be drugs or alcohol. On the physical side, effects could range from STIs to chronic pain or cancer.

The goal of domestic violence awareness is that of any other type: to shine a light on a problem that needs a solution as well as providing justice and comfort to survivors. On September 30, 2016, President Obama released a proclamation making October 2016 National Domestic Violence Awareness month. In it, he highlights the fact that rates of violence against females have dropped, but there is still much work to be done. Significant funding for domestic violence response has also been proposed by Obama in the most recent budget, and legislative acts have been set in motion.

While domestic violence awareness was once the “Day of Unity” back in October of 1981, it soon evolved into a week devoted to the subject and now a whole month. Activities range between the local, state and national level, but they all have three main themes:

• Mourning the lost souls
• Celebrating survivors
• Connecting those working to end violence

It is time to speak out to end domestic violence not only for women, but men as well. This is a nationwide problem that needs a solution. There are many ways for you to join the cause.

1. Wear Purple – this is the color of Domestic Violence Awareness through the month of October. National #PurpleThursday is October 20, 2016, and the perfect time for you to share why ending domestic violence is so important
2. Join the cause – National Week of Action takes place from October 16 through October 22, 2016, for any willing participants
3. Be aware – visit and of the following sites to gain more insight into what domestic violence really is and how you can help stop it

• Nnedv.org – National Network to End Domestic Violence
• Ncadv.org – National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
• Nrcdv.org – National Research Center for Domestic Violence
• Domestic Violence Awareness Project (DVAP)

Speak out, and stop domestic violence.