Domestic Violence Awareness: Breaking the Silence
Every October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month serves as a reminder that abuse affects individuals and families in every community, regardless of age, gender, race, income, education, or background. Domestic violence is not a private issue. It is a community issue, a public health issue, and a human issue.
For those living through abuse, asking for help can feel overwhelming. Many survivors worry they won’t be believed. Others fear judgment, retaliation, financial instability, or the impact on their children and loved ones. Some have been told repeatedly that the abuse is their fault and begin to believe it.
But abuse is never the survivor’s fault.
What Is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors used by one person to gain or maintain power and control over another in an intimate relationship. It can take many forms beyond physical violence. LifeWire: Together Against Domestic Violence
Examples include:
• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Verbal abuse
• Psychological manipulation
• Financial control
• Digital monitoring or harassment
• Stalking
• Threats and intimidation
• Isolation from friends and family
Many people assume domestic violence always leaves visible bruises. In reality, some of the deepest wounds are emotional and psychological. Survivors may experience anxiety, depression, loss of confidence, fear, and a feeling of being trapped.
Why So Many People Stay Silent
One of the most common questions people ask is, “Why don’t they just leave?”
The truth is that leaving an abusive relationship is often far more complex than it appears. Survivors may face:
• Fear for their safety or the safety of their children
• Financial dependence
• Housing insecurity
• Immigration concerns
• Emotional attachment to their partner
• Community or family pressure
• Shame and embarrassment
• Hope that the abuse will stop
Many survivors work incredibly hard to hide what is happening behind closed doors. They may smile at work, attend community events, or keep up appearances while privately struggling to stay safe.
That is why compassion matters more than judgment.
How We Can Support Survivors
If someone confides in you about abuse:
• Listen without judgment.
• Believe them.
• Respect their choices.
• Avoid asking why they stayed.
• Offer support and resources.
• Help them develop a safety plan if appropriate.
• Remind them that the abuse is not their fault.
Sometimes the most powerful thing we can say is:
“I believe you. You deserve to be safe. How can I support you?”
Local Resources That Can Help
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, support is available.
DAWN (Domestic Abuse Women’s Network)
DAWN serves survivors throughout King County, providing advocacy, emergency shelter, support groups, legal advocacy, mental health services, children’s programs, and community outreach. Their mission is to stand with survivors of domestic abuse, help them rebuild their lives, and create safer communities through education and advocacy. DAWN - Domestic Abuse Women's Network | (425) 656-7867
Advocacy & Support Line: (425) 656-7867 Website: https://dawnrising.org
LifeWire
LifeWire is a leading Washington State organization supporting survivors on their journey toward safety, stability, and healing. Services include advocacy, safety planning, housing support, emergency assistance, counseling referrals, education, and prevention programs. LifeWire: Together Against Domestic Violence
Main Line: (425) 562-8840 24-Hour Helpline: (425) 746-1940 Website: https://www.lifewire.org
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Available 24/7 for confidential support, safety planning, crisis intervention, and referrals to local services. Survivors can call, chat, or text. Domestic Violence Support | National Domestic Violence Hotline
Call: 800-799-SAFE (7233) Text: START to 88788 Website: www.thehotline.org
StrongHearts Native Helpline
A culturally appropriate, confidential helpline for Native American and Alaska Native survivors of domestic and dating violence. Hotlines and Helplines | The Administration for Children and Families
Call/Text: 1-844-762-8483 Website: www.strongheartshelpline.org
Love Is Respect
Support specifically for teens and young adults experiencing dating abuse. Hotlines and Helplines | The Administration for Children and Families
Call: 1-866-331-9474 Text: LOVEIS to 22522 Website: www.loveisrespect.org
A Message to Survivors
If you are reading this and wondering whether your situation “counts” as abuse, know that your feelings matter. If someone consistently makes you feel afraid, controlled, isolated, threatened, or unsafe, you deserve support.
You do not have to have all the answers today.
You do not have to leave tomorrow.
You do not have to tell everyone your story.
But you do deserve safety, dignity, and support.
This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, let’s replace silence with conversation, shame with compassion, and isolation with community. Together, we can create environments where survivors feel seen, heard, believed, and empowered to seek help when they are ready.
Because no one should have to choose between surviving and asking for help. And no one should have to walk that journey alone. 💜
We are here for you,
Team BK5