For many, October 1st signifies the first day that it is acceptable to decorate for Halloween, drink pumpkin spice lattes, and enjoy the cool sweater weather of fall. However, for agencies like Connecting Communities Action and ACCORD, October 1st signifies the first day of something else – National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This awareness is vital to our communities.

What is domestic violence? It’s an individual’s attempt to exert their power and control over another individual in which they are in a relationship with, now or in the past. Traditionally when we think about domestic violence, we only think about the physical component. However, there are 5 types of abuse that we categorize the tactics of abuse into, the most commonly known physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse and psychological abuse. 

Survivors or victims are not likely to come out and share what is happening in their relationships out of fear, guilt, shame, or many other valid reasons. So as our friends, neighbors, coworkers, we ask that you watch for the warning signs, or red flags. These can be things like, the partner always calling to check in, and continuing to call or text until they respond. Not allowing their partner to go hang out with family or friends alone. Worring if they are running late from a meeting or event. Having their location turned on and shared with their partner. Partner showing up to places uninvited because they just “miss them so much”. Ask questions as these could be serious red flags in a relationship. Some of these are subtle and can be easily overlooked or justified, let them know you’re there to listen to or provide the resources listed below for when they are ready. 

So, as October is coming to a close keep in mind 1 in 3 women, and 1 in 5 men are impacted by domestic violence. Statistically speaking this means you likely know someone that is currently experiencing domestic violence or someone that has been impacted by domestic violence. Watch for the red flags in relationships and be a support for when they are ready to open up. 

As always there are community resources that are just a call away. For Allegany County, please contact ACCORD (1-800-593-5322.) For Cattaraugus County, please contact Connecting Communities in Action (1-888-945-3970.)