Speaking Witness: Stories from Domestic Violence Survivors

We’re going back in person to bear witness to the stories and experiences of our neighbors who have survived domestic abuse and are thriving in our community.

They want us to know about their experiences in an effort to advocate for change and with hope that others will avoid becoming victims themselves by learning from the life lessons they share.

If you’re interested in sharing your story, email [email protected] or you can submit your story at caplanc.org/breakthesilence

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Domestic violence (DV) or intimate partner violence (IPV) impacts millions of people each year, and it can be prevented. It requires the collective voice and power of survivors and individuals, families, institutions, and systems – whose stories of strength, support, and resilience add valuable and powerful components to transforming our communities.

Last year, Domestic Violence Services (DVS), a program of Community Action Partnership, served 1,817 local victims of domestic violence, including 86 children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men have experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime.

This year has been a year of growth and resilience for DVS. Our 2022 theme, “Connect the Dots,” speaks to the work being done to make the necessary connections between DVS and survivors, DVS and professional systems and organizations, and DVS and the broader community.

Finding a safe, affordable, permanent home for their family is one of the biggest challenges that domestic violence survivors face. To meet this need, DVS is preparing to launch several new initiatives with funding from The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) and the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). A housing team devoted to DV survivors, which will provide trauma-informed supportive services at each stage of the housing process, is expected to launch November 1.

“Domestic violence or intimate partner violence continues to be a major public health epidemic in our communities,” DVS Director Christine Gilfillan said. “For survivors experiencing homelessness, safe, affordable permanent housing may seem out of reach, yet it is their number one priority.”

“By increasing supportive services for housing needs, survivors will be in a position to truly thrive.”

To honor the resilience of domestic violence survivors, DVS will present various events with the theme, “Connect the Dots”, throughout the month of October. Please join us!