County of Santa Clara observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Education and Involvement Encouraged to Prevent Crime

SANTACLARA COUNTY, CA –Since 1987, Domestic Violence Awareness Month has been observed across the U.S. during the month of October. The County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors will proclaim October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month on Tuesday, October 18 at 9:00 a.m., at the Board of Supervisors Chambers, to encourage residents to participate in at least one of the many events organized to increase public awareness and prevent this crime.

“For too long, our society has viewed domestic violence as a women’s issue, although it is clear that men can help end violence against women and girls by treating them with respect, and by being a positive role model for boys and young men,” said President Dave Cortese, County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors. “I encourage everyone to have the courage to speak out against violence. Everyone has the right to live without fear.”

Nearly one in four women in the United States reports experiencing violence by a current or former spouse or boyfriend at some point in her life. On average, more than three women a day are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends in the United States. Women age 20 to 24 are at the greatest risk of experiencing nonfatal intimate partner violence, and also have the highest rates of rape and sexual assault. Although victims are overwhelmingly women and girls, intimate partner violence affects people ofall gender, racial, ethnic, cultural, social, religious, sexual orientation and economic groups. It is estimated that 835,000 men are physically assaulted by an intimate partner annually, overwhelmingly in same-sex relationships.

Abuse is described as are petitive pattern of behaviors to maintain power and control over an intimate partner. These are behaviors that physically harm, arouse fear, prevent a partner from doing what he or she wishes or force a partner to be have agains this or her will. It may include repetitive or simultaneous physical and sexual violence, threats and intimidation, emotional and financial abuse. Abusers may also use technology to harass and stalk victims, gather information and monitor their activities. They may hack into victims’ social media accounts or send threatening text messages or emails placing the victim inconstant fear.

“We cannot ignore the fact that behind closed doors, many couples and families in our county are devastated by a reoccurring pattern of abuse,” said Esther Peralez-Dieckmann, Director of the County of Santa Clara Office of Women’s Policy. “We must continue to raise awareness not only about the resources that exist to support these families but to build a deeper understanding of their specific life circumstances and build a response that takes into account their culture, status and ways we can improve our local response to the diverse needs of the community.”

The County of Santa Clara Office of Women’s Policy is encouraging residents to get involved by participating in one of the many Domestic Violence Awareness Month events happening this month. Visit owp.sccgov.org for a calendar of events. Wear purple or a purple ribbon throughout October as a way of supporting survivors and telling others why ending domestic violence is important to you. Join the national #PurpleThursday on Thursday, October 20 by wearing or displaying purple to get involved, take a stand against domestic violence, and express your solidarity with survivors and their families.

Domestic Violence in Santa Clara County

Locally, our domestic violence crisis hotlines in Santa Clara County answered over 20,000calls, and provided over 6,200 domestic violence victims and children with in-person services during fiscal year 2015. Approximately 600 victims and children accessed emergency shelter and transitional housing services, providing them a safe place to stay and resources to escape violence and abuse. Over 21,000 bed nights were provided but more were needed; around 2,500 individuals were unable to access shelter because the shelters were full (duplicated number).

There were 5,052 domestic violence-related calls to local law enforcement in2014, an increase from 3,992in 2013and 4,192in 2012 (data for 2015 is not yet available). Santa Clara County had 13 domestic violence-related deaths, including eight victims and five perpetrators who committed suicide or blue suicide in 2015. Seven minor children, including one in utero, and 3 adults lost a parent to domestic violence last year. This was an increase from 2014 when only three (3) deaths occurred. Since 1994 we have had an average of twelve (12) domestic violence-related deaths every year, and since 1993 the County has had a total of 266 deaths.

Santa Clara County residents directly experiencing or aware of someone experiencing abuse can get confidential support by calling one of the24-hour crisis lines below. In an emergency, call 911.

AACIAsian Women’sHome

24-HourHotline (408)975-2739

www.dv.aaci.org andwww.facebook.com/AACIorg

CommunitySolutions

24-HourHotline 1-877-363-7238or 1-877-END-SADV

www.communitysolutions.organd www.facebook.com/CommunitySolutions

NextDoor Solutionsto DomesticViolence

24-HourHotline (408)279-2962

www.nextdoor.organdwww.facebook.com/NextDoorSolutions

YWCASilicon Valley

24-HourHotline 1-800-572-2782

www.ywca-sv.org andwww.facebook.com/supportnetworkforbatteredwomen