PDAA Recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month
By Francis T. Chardo, Dauphin County District Attorney and President of the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association
Pennsylvania’s district attorneys are committed to helping victims of domestic violence seek justice in the legal system. Domestic violence is terrifying for victims as well as many individuals within a victim’s circle including family members, friends, neighbors and the communities where they live. Children are especially vulnerable and suffer trauma when witnessing violence of their loved ones firsthand or experiencing abuse perpetrated on them directly.
It takes a lot of courage for victims to report domestic violence. Abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual or by means of neglect sometimes as severe as depriving basic needs like food, water, freedom or human connection. What DV victims have in common is the abusive relationships are with intimate partners, members of the households they reside in, or close family members they often love and trust. The abuse evolves overtime, stems from control, escalates to threats and violence, and leaves victims feeling trapped and isolated.
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an opportunity to reach victims living in abusive relationships or households to encourage hope and connection. To let them know there is help available and a community that will support them.
Prosecutors work to hold offenders accountable. Victims have an important voice in how cases proceed and provide input throughout the court process. Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an opportunity to recognize the courage, strength, healing, and resilience so many survivors portray. It is also a time to honor and grieve those who are gone and the memories their loved ones cherish.
The district attorneys of Pennsylvania work with law enforcement, local domestic violence shelters and community partners to provide around-the-clock access to housing, medical care, counseling, and services for those impacted by domestic violence. Victim safety, both mentally and physically, is the top priority, along with protecting minors, family members and pets in their care.
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association recognizes domestic violence as a serious and widespread problem in our communities. According to the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 3 women, 1 in 4 men, and nearly half of LGBTQ+ individuals will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. In Pennsylvania, 119 victims died in domestic violence incidents last year. The devastating effects of abuse are present in every community. Raising awareness is important so victims know that, if they do come forward, they will be treated with compassion, respect and understanding.
If you are a victim of domestic violence or a child or adult suffering or witnessing abuse, the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association urges you to seek help. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also contact the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence for a list of emergency shelters (enter your zip code here to find a shelter near you ) or call the National DV Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).