National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM)

October is recognized as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) in both the United States and Jamaica. The 2026 theme is #Every1KnowsSome1. It is easy to say that domestic violence will not happen to you or that your partner would never harm you, but many abusive relationships start off very happy and healthy. The truth is that domestic violence can happen to anyone, in any community, and of every race, ethnicity, and gender. This theme #Every1KnowsSome1 reminds us to stay vigilant and aware because you never know who may be affected by domestic violence.

There are different types of abuse that someone may experience in a domestic violence relationship including physical, mental, financial and sexual abuse.

Here are some things to look for in each type of abuse:-

Physical Abuse: 

• Threatening to harm you or your children if you do not do what you are told

• Bruises from injuries

• Your partner harms you in any way (hitting, kicking, punching, biting, choking, etc.)

• Your partner prevents you from taking prescribed medication or seeking medical attention

Mental Abuse:

• Threatening to leave you

• Insulting you, calling you names, or making you feel like you are worthless

• Taking away your choice, making all the decisions for you

• Isolating you from family and friends

Financial Abuse:

• Controlling how all the money is spent

• Making you ask for an allowance

• Taking your earned money away

• Preventing you from getting a job

Sexual Abuse:

• Making you have sex or preform sexual acts when you do not want to

• Ignoring your request to stop or to not have sex

• Force you to watch or make porn

• Forcing you to dress more provocatively then you are comfortable with 

If you or someone you know is in a domestic violence relationship, in the United States, you can seek help by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text “Start” to 88788. If you are in Jamaica and need support, women can call 876-553-0372 or 876-236-1713 and men can contact the helpline by calling 876-553-0387.