The first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed in October 1987, coinciding with the establishment of the first national domestic violence toll-free hotline in the same year. In 1989, Public Law 101-112 was passed by the U.S. Congress, officially designating October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Purple Thursday falls on the third Thursday of each month, with this year's date being October 17, 2024. By wearing purple, we demonstrate our solidarity with individuals who have endured domestic violence and abuse, reassuring them that assistance is accessible.
Domestic Violence is a repeated form of harmful conduct that one intimate partner employs in order to acquire or uphold dominance and authority over another individual, which may encompass:
Physical Violence
Emotional Abuse
Verbal Abuse
Sexual Assault
Coercive Control
Financial Control
Stalking
Psychological Aggression
Some Facts about Domestic Violence:
Most DV(Domestic Violence) is never reported
1 in 4 women will experience Dv during their lifetime
Women 20-24 years old are at the greatest risk
DV is the leading cause of women - more than car accidents or muggings combined
Every 9 seconds in the U.S. a women is assaulted or beaten by an intimate partner
1 in 3 women who are a victim of homicide is murdered by a current/former partner
Over 20,000 phone calls are reported daily in the U.S.
Every year more than 3 million children witness DV in their house
On average it takes 7 attempts for a DV survivor to leave their abuser and stay separated for good
Over the past year, Alpha House has received an average of 25 Crisis calls per month, covering a variety of needs such as homelessness, financial assistance, transportation, food, and clothing. Additionally, they have received an average of 10-15 Domestic Violence-related calls each month. During this period, Alpha House has provided an average of 63 Personal Shelter Days per month, equivalent to one day of shelter for each person in need.
The 24/7 operation of Alpha House is essential for our community. Although we are currently unable to accommodate overnight stays, we remain dedicated to serving the community from Monday to Friday to address individual needs as best as we can. We understand that domestic violence is not limited to weekdays but is a year-round issue requiring round-the-clock support. Our current funding constraints limit our operational hours, but we are committed to providing assistance within these limitations.
Each October, in observance of DVAM (Domestic Violence Awareness Month), we organize a fundraiser selling HODEL'S CINNAMON ROLLS. This year, the event will take place on 10/17/24 (PURPLE THURSDAY), with a pan of Cinnamon Rolls priced at $15.00. All proceeds will be donated to Alpha House. Visit us at 400 Kern St @ the Chamber between 6:00am-10:30am. Purchase pre-sale tickets from any board member, contact us at 763-4357, or email the address provided on the website.
If you wish to contribute to Alpha House in order to support the ongoing operation of the shelter, please visit the support page for details on how to make a donation. Additionally, we encourage you to subscribe to our latest news and monthly newsletters.
Comments