From: Date: October 2, 2023 Subject: CSAP - October Awareness Resources
National Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)/ Domestic Violence (DV) Awareness Month
IPV violence is a pattern of abusive behavior that takes place in a relationship between two people. Families of all racial, religious, sexual, socioeconomic, and economic backgrounds can experience partner violence, and both men and women can become victims. In the United States, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical domestic violence. When someone experiences IPV, it can negatively effect both the physical and psychological health of the individual. As aspiring counselors, it is our responsibility to approach the topic with caution and to be aware that any client, regardless of age, sexual orientation, race, or gender, could be a victim of domestic violence. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is a 24/7 service and can be reached at 800-799-7233.
"Imperfect Victims"
The "imperfect victim" is a term used by the justice system to refer to survivors who have been charged with crimes for acts related to their own victimization (violence, rape, assault, and trafficking). These people are disproportionately female, BIPOC, queer, trans, and gender non-conforming, poor, disabled, and/or sex workers. They also include immigrants and refugees. Their knowledge of violence is reduced, distorted, or eliminated, and they are now viewed as criminals whose behavior calls for punishment. All are a part of systems that continue to support the victim/abuser dichotomy. Read more about "imperfect victims" by clicking the photo above.
Tools and Resources For Counselors
CSAP wanted to share local and national resources that may be useful for counseling someone who is or was a victim of domestic violence.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233) OR 800-787-3224
October may be best known as being Breast Cancer Awareness month. Annually, about 240,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and about 1 out of every 100 diagnoses in the United States are male. Research suggest that group therapy can decrease levels of anxiety and depression in breast cancer patients while also increasing their quality of life. This month, CSAP wanted to highlight a group in Pittsburgh that offers therapeutic support for women diagnosed with breast cancer. Pittsburgh Hearts of Steel is motivated to improve well-being in women who have previously been diagnosed with breast cancer by facilitating physical activity, communication, and community support. Their unique physical activity of choice is Dragon Boat Paddling, a sport that includes working as a team to paddle a dragon-shaped boat to the beat of drums against other teams. To learn more about Heart of Steel, click the photo above.
