West Hollywood recognizes October as domestic violence and intimate partner violence awareness month
BY ORLY LYONNE
I
n recognition of Domestic Violence and Intimate Partner Violence Awareness Month during October, the City of West Hollywood will, throughout the month, focus awareness efforts on highlighting the impact of domestic violence/intimate partner violence in the LGBTQ community and through the lens of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE) and will share information and resources with the community about intimate partner violence.
From Sunday, October 3, 2021 through Sunday, October 10, 2021, the globe lanterns above Santa Monica Boulevard between N. Robertson Boulevard and Hancock Avenue in the City of West Hollywood will glow in purple in recognition of Domestic Violence and Intimate Partner Violence Awareness Month.
Domestic violence is prevalent in every community and affects all people regardless of age, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality. Domestic violence, also referred to as intimate partner violence, which is abuse or aggression that occurs in a romantic relationship. It occurs in same- and opposite-sex relationships, and among those who are married, in long-term, and short-term relationships. Domestic violence can take many forms; in addition to physical abuse, it can include sexual abuse, verbal abuse, emotional abuse, intimidation, controlling behaviors, isolating behaviors, and economic abuse. The devastating consequences of domestic violence can cross generations and last a lifetime. About 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men have experienced sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, domestic violence can occur in LGBTQ relationships at rates equal to or even greater to that of cisgender/heterosexual relationships.
If you or someone you care about has been a victim of domestic violence/intimate partner violence, sexual assault or stalking, go to the City’s website at www.weho.org/lgbtq to find resources to help.
