October Is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), a nationwide effort to raise awareness about intimate partner violence (IPV), support survivors, promote prevention, and connect individuals and families with resources. Domestic violence is a serious public health and safety concern that affects people across communities, regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic status, or geographic location.

Domestic violence, also referred to as intimate partner violence, can include: 

• physical violence
• sexual violence
• psychological aggression
• coercive control
• stalking
• behaviors used to frighten, intimidate, isolate, or control a partner.

Abuse can occur in current or former dating relationships, marriages, and other intimate relationships. It may be obvious, such as physical violence, or less visible, such as threats, financial control, isolation, monitoring, or emotional abuse.

The Scope of Intimate Partner Violence

The most recent national data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) demonstrate the significant and ongoing impact of intimate partner violence. According to the CDC’s 2023–2024 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, approximately 6.7 million women and 2.8 million men experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner during the 12 months preceding the survey. Over the course of their lifetimes, approximately 43.5 million women and 20.7 million men experienced one or more of these forms of IPV.

Lifetime physical violence by an intimate partner was reported by approximately 22.5% of women and 13.7% of men, while severe physical violence was experienced by approximately 18.2% of women and 8.6% of men. These findings demonstrate that IPV is not limited to isolated incidents and can affect individuals throughout their lives.

The Health Impact of Domestic Violence

The effects of domestic violence can extend far beyond the immediate incident of abuse. Living in an abusive or controlling relationship can have significant physical and psychological consequences. Survivors may experience anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, sleep difficulties, headaches, chronic pain, substance use, and other health concerns. Repeated exposure to stress and violence can also interfere with a person’s ability to manage existing health conditions and maintain overall well-being.

Domestic violence can affect a person’s ability to seek medical and behavioral health care, maintain employment, access transportation, manage finances, and maintain supportive relationships. Fear of an abusive partner may also prevent a survivor from safely seeking help or disclosing what is happening.

Because the effects of IPV can appear in many areas of a person’s life, behavioral health professionals and other health care providers can play an important role in recognizing signs of abuse, providing support, assessing safety, and connecting survivors with appropriate resources.

Domestic Violence in Ohio

Domestic violence continues to have a significant impact on individuals and families throughout Ohio. The Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN) reported 157 domestic violence-related fatalities in Ohio during the year ending June 30, 2025, representing a 37% increase from the previous reporting period and the highest number recorded since ODVN began its annual fatality reporting in 2015. The fatalities occurred in 108 cases and included 95 deceased victims and 62 deceased perpetrators.

Ohio’s domestic violence service system also serves thousands of survivors each year. ODVN reports that its member programs provided services to 127,006 survivors, including legal advocacy, housing assistance, support groups, transportation, and other services. ODVN and its member programs also responded to more than 123,000 direct crisis communications through calls, texts, and chats.

At the same time, the demand for services continues to exceed available resources. ODVN reports that 9,707 survivors were sheltered, including 3,743 children, while 8,194 survivors—approximately 45%—were turned away because of insufficient shelter capacity.

These numbers highlight the importance of increasing awareness, expanding access to behavioral health and community-based services, and ensuring that survivors have safe and accessible options for support.

You Are Not Alone

Recognizing that a relationship is unhealthy or abusive can be difficult. A person experiencing abuse may feel isolated, afraid, confused, financially dependent, or uncertain about what steps to take. Leaving an abusive relationship can also increase risk in some circumstances, which is why safety planning should be individualized and guided by the survivor’s needs and circumstances.

If you are concerned about how your relationship is affecting your physical or emotional health, consider talking with someone you trust, such as a health care provider, behavioral health professional, domestic violence advocate, friend, or family member.

When it is safe to do so, helpful steps may include:

• Talk with a health care or behavioral health professional about physical or emotional symptoms you are experiencing and about coping strategies that may help.
• Reach out to a trusted person who can provide support without judgment.
• Work with a domestic violence advocate to develop an individualized safety plan.
• Consider reducing access to situations, substances, or behaviors that may increase risk during periods of intense stress.
• Seek professional support for anxiety, depression, trauma symptoms, or other mental health concerns.
• Remember that you are not responsible for another person’s abusive behavior.

Ohio and National Resources

Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN):
1-800-934-9840
ODVN can connect survivors with local domestic violence programs, shelters, advocacy, and other support services throughout Ohio.

National Domestic Violence Hotline:
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Text START to 88788
The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential support, safety planning, information, and connections to local resources. Online chat is also available.

Emergency: If you are in immediate danger or believe a life-threatening situation is occurring, call 911.

Support Through Behavioral Wellness Group

The Behavioral Wellness Group (BWG) is committed to expanding its capacity to support individuals and families affected by domestic violence throughout Ohio. Our behavioral health professionals can provide a supportive, trauma-informed environment where individuals can discuss concerns, strengthen coping skills, and explore treatment and support options.

Services may include individual counseling and health and wellness Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) services, when clinically appropriate. Treatment recommendations are individualized based on each person’s needs, safety, and treatment goals.

Talking about abuse does not mean you have to make an immediate decision about your relationship. Seeking support is a step toward understanding your options and taking care of your health.

If you have concerns about domestic violence or your mental health, Behavioral Wellness Group is here to help. Contact our Intake Department at 440-392-2222.

Dr. Halle Worley, Psy.D.
The Behavioral Wellness Group
8224 Mentor Ave #208 Mentor OH 44060
P: 440 392 2222 #854 F: 440 565 2349
hworley@behavioralwellnessgroup.com
www.behavioralwellnessgroup.com