Why we have Domestic Violence Awareness Month

"Why do we have Domestic Violence Awareness Month?" I have to confess to being shocked when this question was asked. The person who was asking was serious. She went on to wonder if it was still necessary since so many people are more educated now.

Wear a purple ribbon in Oct.

The reality is that people are  more educated now because we  have Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This month creates education opportunities that last throughout the year. In one month it isn't possible to get to every business, church or street corner that wants to host an outreach display.   Often the requests come in October and get scheduled throughout the year.

So, why do we have Domestic Violence Awareness Month? Another reason is to keep abuse in front of the public. If it we didn't do this people would forget. This type of abuse would go back to being the silent epidemic it once was.

It bothers me that this lady asked this question so sincerely. She got the message on why we have Domestic Violence Awareness Month when I asked about breast cancer. No one questions the need for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and she didn't either.

That drove my point home. Now she understands why we have Domestic Violence Awareness Month. If you are wondering about it I hope that you understand too.