SAF to Observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Fulton, NY – Every year, advocates, survivors, and supporters recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). DVAM allows communities to join forces to raise awareness about the far-reaching impact of domestic violence. This year’s theme is once again #Every1KnowsSome1 and focuses on the fact that, whether they realize it or not, everyone knows someone affected by domestic violence.

1 in 3 women, 1 in 4 men, and nearly half of LGBTQ+ people will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Domestic violence also disproportionately impacts survivors of color, survivors with disabilities, immigrant survivors, and other survivors already experiencing marginalization and discrimination. “High rates of domestic violence are not private, individual problems; they require community solutions,” said SAF’s Manager of Quality and Education Sara Carmichael. “By acknowledging this reality, we can collectively work towards ending domestic violence and creating safe, healthy communities for everyone.”

Domestic violence doesn’t always leave visible bruises. Abusers use emotional abuse, financial abuse, sexual abuse, intimidation, extreme jealousy, and other controlling tactics to establish power and control over their partners or family members. Nearly half of individuals experience emotional/psychological abuse from an intimate partner. Additionally, if someone is being abused, ‘just leaving’ is easier said than done. In fact, it’s dangerous. “There are many barriers preventing someone from leaving an abusive relationship or abusive home,” said Carmichael. “In fact, survivors are most in danger when they are trying to leave or soon after they have left.”

Oswego County Opportunities’ (OCO) Services to Aid Families (SAF) program is the sole domestic violence and rape crisis provider for Oswego County. SAF provides both residential and non-residential services to victims and survivors via the 24/7 Crisis Hotline and in person. In 2022, SAF served nearly 650 survivors, answered more than 4,700 hotline calls from survivors, and provided 2,600 bed nights to 82 families staying at their domestic violence shelter. The need for services continues to grow. Hotline calls come in daily, and advocates continue to work tirelessly to meet the growing needs of survivors and their children.

To help raise awareness, SAF will have their Survivor Flag Display at various locations in the county. The purple flags represent the nearly 650 survivors SAF served in 2022. SAF is partnering with Oswego Health to place the Survivor Flag Display at Oswego Hospital and the Central Square Medical Center. “At Oswego Health, we care about our community, and we are proud to partner with Oswego County Opportunities and Services to Aid Families to raise awareness about the prevalence of abuse,” said Oswego Health’s Senior VP of Communication and Chief Brand Officer Jamie Leszczynski. “Help is available and we encourage everyone to start the conversation. Together we can promote social change.”

As a community, we all have a role in changing the narrative about what domestic violence is, to whom it happens, and how we can support those who are experiencing it, and ultimately, prevent it entirely. Everyone knows someone who is impacted by domestic violence, and everyone has a part to play in supporting the work to end domestic violence. Survivors are not alone and they deserve support and resources.

If you, or someone you know, is a victim or survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual violence, stalking, elder abuse, or trafficking, please call the Crisis Hotline at (315) 342-1600. The hotline is available 24 hours a day and is free and confidential.

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