October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time for our nation to acknowledge domestic violence and support its victims. This movement began in 1981 with the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), which organized a “Day of Unity” to connect advocates nationwide. This effort grew into a full week and then became a recognized national month in 1987. Two years later (1989), it was officially designated by Congress through Public Law 101-112 (www.tcfv.org/awareness/).
In America, we use this month to shine a light on domestic violence, educating the community about its physical, emotional, and psychological effects. As we observe this important time, I want to offer strength and support to anyone in our community who has been impacted by violence.
In my faith, I find strength and a source of hope in the following scriptures and a prayer that speaks to the struggle and the path to healing:
- Finding Strength and Rescue from the Lord:
The Lord replies, “I have seen violence done to the helpless. . . Now I will rise to rescue them, as they longed for me to do (Psalm 12:5, New Living Translation).”
- He redeems their life from oppression and violence (Psalm 72:14, New King James Version).
- “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; the God of my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my Savior, You save me from violence (2 Samuel 22:2-3, New King James Version).”
- “Preserve me from violent men (Psalm 140:1 and 14, New King James Version).”
A Prayer for Awareness and Healing:
Dear God, our Heavenly Father and Sustainer of life,
Since You have seen people experiencing domestic violence, unable or afraid to defend themselves, I pray, Heavenly Father, that Your Spirit will join us in observing Domestic Violence Awareness Month in our nation. As we reach out to the community by educating people on how domestic violence affects others physically, mentally, and emotionally, please open as many families’ hearts and minds as possible to the teaching, so that further violence can be prevented. May this awareness month give victims the courage to report the abuse as a way to escape and find a pathway to freedom. May You call out the victims currently experiencing domestic violence to trust Your Son, Jesus Christ, as their Savior. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Helpline Numbers:
- Alabama Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-650-6522
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
Remember: While October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we must commit to being mindful and supportive of those experiencing domestic violence all year long.
—Kenneth Sullivan. *Disclaimer: I am not a member of any clergy.