October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is the month which has been recognized as the National Domestic Violence Awareness Month since 1981.It was conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence as a Day of Unity to connect victims and survivors with battered women’s advocates across the country. Domestic Violence affects millions; both women and men, of every race, religion, culture and status.

Domestic Violence and its implications can be exceptionally difficult to navigate, whether you are experiencing this form of violence yourself, or know someone who is. That is where a Victim Advocate can step in and add a level of clarity which may not be gleaned on one’s own. Victim Advocates have extensive training and experience regarding the dynamics of this tragic worldwide epidemic. Advocates bring knowledge, experience, and compassion to those who need it most.

One of the most difficult hurdles for a Domestic Violence organization is to get the information to those in the community who need it most, but may not know that this organization exists, or how to access their resources without their abuser’s knowledge. An Advocate has a high level of education and experience assisting victims of abuse with a “safety plan” when or if the victim chooses to leave their relationship with an abuser. The task of planning for one’s safety has many considerations, all which must be covered. This could be an impossible task for someone experiencing trauma. It does not have to be done alone; the familiarity and committed kindness of an Advocate can truly make all the difference.

The Boundary County Victim Services office is located in the basement level of the Boundary County Courthouse. Anyone may reach them Monday through Friday there from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and may be reached 24/7 through their Crisis Line at 208-267-5211. The Crisis Line is manned by trained Crisis Line volunteers and staff and is an available point of resources for anyone needing immediate assistance with a personal crisis. Boundary County Victim Services is a community-based not for profit advocacy program which is free and confidential. Confidentiality is the foundation of their program. They are victim/survivor focused and their goal is to give power back to the victim/survivor and enhance the safety of their clients. The Advocate will never force a victim/survivor to report to law enforcement, seek, medical attention, leave their abuser or enter a Domestic Violence Shelter. Advocates are there to believe, validate and walk with victims/survivors as they make decisions for themselves. Boundary County Victim Services is there to manage the expectations of the victim/survivor; they are a soft place to land in the midst of trauma.

If you do not know a person who is experiencing Domestic Violence but still wish to actively support your local Domestic Violence you may do so through monetary donations or through volunteering. A particularly fun way to offer your support is by attending the Boundary County Victim Services Annual Fall Festival and Fashion Show. This fundraiser in an event which concentrates on togetherness, compassion, community and laughter amongst old friends and new faces. The fundraiser chooses to focus on the power of togetherness and the impact of neighbors helping neighbors while briefly acknowledging the implications of Domestic Violence. This year’s event will be held at the Valley Event Center at the Boundary County Fairgrounds on Saturday, Nov. 2. The tickets are $15 dollars. Keep an eye open for further details. Event flyers will soon be posted on local businesses and on Facebook. In addition to, or instead of your attendance, the event planners and the Boundary County Victim Services are always looking for donations of auctionable items or monetary sponsorship of the cost incurred through the hosting of this event. For example, Boundary County Victim Services is currently looking for a sponsor to cover the cost of the venue. If you have any questions about Domestic Violence, or how you may assist with awareness efforts in Boundary County by supporting the agency through participation in the Fall Fundraiser and Fashion Show, please contact Boundary County Victims Services during business hours at 208-267-7334.