October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

For the ninth consecutive year, on Sept. 10, 2014, National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) conducted a one-day unduplicated count of adults and children seeking domestic violence service in the United States. This annual census documents the number of individuals who sought services in a single 24-hour period, as well as the types of services requested, the number of service requests that went unmet due to a lack of resources, and the issues and barriers that domestic violence programs face as they strive to provide services to victims of domestic violence. This report is instrumental in raising awareness about domestic violence and the incredible work that local domestic violence programs do every day.

North Dakota: On September 10, 2014, 19 out of 20 (95%) identified local domestic violence programs in North Dakota participated in the 2014 National Censes of Domestic Violence Services. The following figures represent the information reported by the participating programs about services during the 24-hour survey period.

ND – 375 Victims were served in one day

160 domestic violence victims (78 children and 82 adults) found refuge in emergency shelters or transitional housing provided by local domestic violence programs.

215 adults and children received non-residential assistance and services, including counseling, legal advocacy, and children's support groups.

109 Hotline Calls were answered .

93 Were educated in Prevention and Education Trainings

Montana: On Sept. 10, 2014, 19 out of 21 (90%) identified local domestic violence programs in Montana participated in the 2014 National Census of Domestic Violence Services. The following figures represent the information reported by the 19 participating programs about services provided during the 24-hour survey period.

MT – 401 Victims were served in one day.

238 domestic violence victims (122 children and 116 adults) found refuge in emergency shelters or transitional housing provided by local domestic violence programs.

163 adults and children received non-residential assistance and services, including counseling, legal advocacy, and children's support groups.

116 Hotline Calls were answered.

210 Were educated in Prevention and Education Trainings.

Across North Dakota and Montana, a total of 22 staff positions were eliminated in the past year; many of these positions were direct services, such as shelter or legal advocates, so there were fewer advocates to answer calls for help. Nine individual services at local programs were reduced or eliminated in the past year.

Here are a few ways you can show your support in helping to end Domestic Violence:

Change your social media profile and cover photos to show that you stand with NNEDV as they remember those who have lost their lives and celebrate those who have survived. Wear purple during the month of October and use this as a way to tell others why ending domestic violence is important to you. Make a donation to support the cause. Contact NNEDV at 202-543-5566 or log on to their website and click on Get Involved – Make a Donation. Volunteer at your local shelter or Domestic Violence agency.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For help and assistance call the U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799 SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224. Hotline advocates are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.