Hope Shores Alliance’s Plans for Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic and relationship violence affects nearly 10 million women and men each year.
Hope Shores Alliance is using this month to bring attention to those who have survived domestic violence, and those who haven’t with candlelight vigils in five different counties throughout northeast Michigan.
“It’s a space for anyone in the community to come to; they can learn more, they can honor someone, they don’t have to disclose or share,” said Hope Shores Alliance sexual assault program coordinator, Paige Allia. “In fact, it’s not something that we are generally doing in these spaces is disclosures, instead just a held space for the community to lean in and be a part of our year–long campaigns, which is our everyday advocates, believe, support and validate.”
What many people don’t know about domestic and relationship violence is it goes beyond just physicality. It includes psychological, economical, and isolation elements as well.
“It’s amazing on how many little things an abuser can pick, like, ‘Okay, I’m going to isolate, and I’m going to financially control this and that, and completely shut this person down emotionally and physically,’ and it’s just sad,” said Hope Shores Alliance residential advocate, Kimberly Brandt.
Hope Shores Alliance advocates for people to believe, support, and validate survivors, which can have a significantly positive impact on their recovery from trauma.
“Just being there for them, just to listen, and believe, support, validate, it does wonders as well,” said Brandt.
The candlelight vigils are a chance for people in the community to learn more about domestic and relationship violence and how it can affect people.
“It’s open to anyone in the community who’s just curious or wants to support and be a part of our community creating space for survivors,” said Allia.
The candlelight vigils will take place in Alpena, Alcona, Iosco, Montmorency, and Presque Isle counties, and more information can be found on Hope Shores Alliance’s Facebook page.
