The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that 1.3 million women and 835,000 men are victims of physical violence by a partner every year. People who are in an abusive relationship will stay with their partner for a number of reasons, including:
- They believe their partner really is sorry and does care about them
- Their low self esteem leads them to believe that no one else would want to be with them
- It’s dangerous to leave, so they are too afraid to take action
- They feel responsible for the way their loved one acts
- Between shared kids, pets, and finances, they feel they can’t leave
Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October each year) is a time to remember and honor loved ones who have lost their lives at the hands of a person they once loved and trusted. And it’s a time to raise awareness about the crime of domestic violence and recognize our collective efforts to end violence.
In recognition of #DomesticViolenceAwareness Month, America’s Charities is recognizing the following agents of change who we are proud to call our members. These nonprofits are dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence, preventing gun violence, and providing victims with a safe place they can go to escape abuse and gain independence for a fresh start at a healthy, safe, and happy life.
One of the most cost-efficient ways you can support these nonprofits is to donate to them via payroll deduction through your employer’s workplace giving program (Don’t have a program? Click here to have your employer contact our team.) Click on each charity’s name below to learn more about their work, and to make a donation now!
Founded in 1976 as America’s first women’s shelter, House of Ruth’s mission is to help women, children and families in greatest need and with very limited resources build safe, stable lives and achieve their highest potential. At eleven residential locations, a developmental day care facility, and a free domestic violence counseling center, they serve more than 1,000 women and children every year. Learn more.
Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV)
PCADV, a collaborative membership organization, joins with 59 local programs to deliver a continuum of services, support and systems change to help nearly 90,000 victims and survivors annually find safety, obtain justice and build lives free of abuse. While local domestic violence programs offer direct service to those in need, PCADV provides the infrastructure, support, expertise, and training to make their work effective. Learn more.
WOMEN’S WAY inspires and mobilizes the community to invest in organizations and leaders that will advance the rights of, and opportunities for, women and girls, and achieve gender equity for all. A community foundation focused on grant-making, research, and education benefiting women and girls in the Greater Philadelphia region, WOMEN’S WAY identifies needs, shares knowledge, convenes the community, and builds awareness to challenge social inequities. Learn more.
Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence
For more than 40 years, the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence has been the leading national voice in the prevention of gun violence, effecting meaningful change through policy, legal action, and increased public awareness of the risks and dangers of having guns in the home. The mission of the Brady Center is to reduce gun violence by 25% by 2025 through a tripartite strategy that incorporates litigation, legislation, and education. Their strategy focuses on the common ground shared by most Americans: we need to keep guns out of the hands of those who would use them to harm themselves or others. Learn more.