October: National Domestic Violence awareness month

In 2009, one out of 5 women was victims of domestic violence, now it’s one out.

At Mujeres Unidas, preparations are under way for several events scheduled for the month of October, also known as national domestic violence awareness month.

Rosalinda Rodriguez a community educator for Mujeres Unidas, or women together says the ramifications of domestic violence are staggering exposure to domestic violence puts both women and men in danger.

These statistics are even more sobering when we consider that domestic violence often goes unreported.

Too often, society places the blame on the victim and not the perpetrator we need to change that, says Rodriguez the only way to accomplish that is through education San Juan police chief, Juan Gonzalez agrees.

In Hidalgo county 23 percent of the homicides reported since 2009, have been domestic violence driven homicides family violence advocates and local police continue working with victims, survivors, and offenders to build a more consistent community response to family violence.

Women together offers services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault free of charge all information is also kept confidential.

A domestic violence candlelight vigil is scheduled in McAllen on October 20th at 6 o’clock, women together and the San Juan police department will host a special training for members of the criminal justice system including police, social workers, and judges to discuss family violence. This is scheduled for October 21st from 8:30am to 5pm.

If you need information, log on to mueresunidas.org.