Shining a Light on a Quiet Issue

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Thanks to initiatives like Shattering the Silence, led by Angela Caine at WTHR Channel 13, domestic violence is more openly discussed in our community. As one of our primary funding areas, Women's Fund welcomes opportunities to shine a light on domestic violence and its impact on our community. Last week, Women's Fund awarded a total of $105,000 to three organizations providing direct service to victims of domestic violence: The Julian Center, Prevail, Inc. and Turning Point.

Connect 2 Help and Domestic Violence Network founded the Domestic Violence Navigation Hub (2-1-1) in 2003 to field domestic abuse calls in central Indiana. For the 2008-2009 year, Connect 2 Help's "Domestic Abuse on the Rise" reports:

• 3,682 recorded domestic abuse calls, a 5% increase from the previous year.
• The violence is increasing, with 20 domestic violence fatalities.
• There has been a 65% increase in the number of child abuse-related calls in homes were domestic violence is also reported.

Women's Fund research shows that children who witness domestic violence incidents, and those in homes where domestic violence is present, are 1,500% more likely to become victims themselves.

Domestic violence persists in central Indiana and impacts the health of our children, families and entire community. It is a quiet issue we tend to tiptoe around because we believe "it doesn't happen in my neighborhood," yet it knows no boundary by income level, educational level, race, ethnicity or sexual orientation. It's hard to imagine a neighbor or friend is experiencing this terrible violence, but it is happening more than we think. Will you join Women's Fund and help shine a light on this quiet issue?

If you or anyone you know is a victim of abuse, call 2-1-1 immediately.