Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The month of October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  

The definition of domestic violence is violent or aggressive behavior within the home, typically involving the violent abuse of a spouse or partner regardless of gender. It’s important to realize that abuse does not have to be physical. It could also be emotional, mental, and or sexual.

To understand the different types of abuse, the Power and Control Wheel lists them in a way that’s easier to understand. Listed are coercion and threats, intimidation, emotional abuse, isolation, minimizing, denying and blaming, using children, male privilege, and economic abuse. 

It is important for victims to understand that they are not alone. That there are many different resources to help them get out of those situations.  

Throughout the United States, there are multiple non-profits that help victims of domestic violence. One of these is the Cumbee Center in Aiken, SC.  

The mission of the Cumbee Center is to support and empower domestic violence and sexual violence victims and their families by providing services, reducing the tolerance of abuse, and advocating for social change.  

This center offers free, confidential services to the victims and their families. They get invited to schools, workplaces, and other organizations to raise awareness and ways to prevent it.  

There is an ICE event that the Cumbee Center is hosting on Oct. 10 from 12-1 p.m. in the SAC MEZZ. In this event, students will learn about the signs of domestic violence, ways to help those affected, and how to reach out and volunteer at the Cumbee Center.  

For those who need it the Cumbee Center’s hotline is 803-641-0480, and they’re located at 254 Beaufort St. NE, Aiken, SC.

For more information, visit their website.