4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OCTOBER 17, 2025 October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Creating more safe spaces for victims and survivors October is domestic violence awareness month. This pervasive issue has been a major topic of local and national discussion for a very long time. As our nation makes some progress on women’s rights and the protection of women’s dignity, it has been very important that we raise our level of awareness to the magnitude of violence and abuse against women and domestic partners, and the legal and public policy means of ensuring safe spaces for victims. Defining domestic violence We have looked at several definitions of domestic violence. However, Henry Ford College in Dearborn, provides us with the most concise and clear definition of domestic violence. “Also known as domestic abuse, relationship abuse, or intimate partner violence, domestic violence is committed by at least one of the people in an intimate relationship against the other. In a broader sense, the term can also refer to violence against one’s immediate family members, such as children, siblings or parents. "Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that negatively influence another person. This includes any behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame or injure a person in order to maintain power and control over them. Domestic violence also includes behaviors that prevent a partner from doing what they want or force them to behave in ways they do not want. "One of the most important factors in domestic violence is the belief that abuse, regardless of its form, is acceptable. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender. It can occur within a range of relationships including couples who are married, living together or dating. It can happen to anyone at any point in a relationship. It affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels. Incidents are rarely isolated and often escalate in frequency and severity. The violence may culminate in serious injury, hospitalization or death.” Southeast Michigan experiences Is domestic violence rising or declining in our communities? On Sept. 9, 2025, Channel 4 News of Detroit Wash-tenaw County voters in 1992 approved a millage which would finance a new accessible and secure building. Christine Watson is the Executive WILL SHAKESPEARE Groundcover vendor No. 258 reported a newsworthy headline which read, “Domestic violence cases rising — Three Metro Detroit women shot, killed at the end of August.” The station continued, “It’s estimated that one in four people in the United States has experienced domestic abuse.” The report looked at four troubling cases and what can be done to keep people safe.The cases include: • Latricia Green Brown was shot and killed at Henry Ford Hospital where she worked. Her ex-husband was arrested. • A mother and her baby were shot and killed in their car in Pontiac. Her boyfriend was arrested, but released on a low bond. • Briana Frames was shot and killed in front of family members, including her 10-month-old baby. Her ex turned the gun on himself. • Sarah Carroll was shot and killed in her apartment. Her ex-boyfriend, who had been accused of stalking, turned the gun on himself. Channel 4 also reported that “while domestic violence is underreported, it still makes up two-thirds of police calls.” Local 4’s Crime and Safety expert Darnell Blackburn is quoted saying, “It’s one of the most dangerous things for a police officer to encounter a domestic violence call, because it can turn on a dime.” The good news is that overall, crimes — including domestic violence crimes — are declining in Washtenaw County. However, there is still the challenge of underreported crimes due to the stigma and severity of trauma associated with domestic violence and abuse. Many survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault believe that the issues are still of paramount importance in their community. They need more safe places. They need more police and protection. They need more community support. Safehouse to the rescue Safehouse Center was established in Washtenaw County in 1978. Director of Safehouse Center of Washtenaw County. Her tenure started in 2022; she previously worked as a legal advocate. She also supervised the response team and the legal advocacy program since 2006. She is the right leader for the Safehouse community organization. She works with a team of dedicated staff and volunteers. On May 22, 2023, Christine Watson appeared on WEMU radio with David Fair. The interview was informative. In his last question to Christine Watson during the show, David Fair asked, “So obviously, with all of the challenges that lay before you, there are some real immediate concerns. What do you hope to address over the coming year to be of even greater service?” Christine Watson responded, “Well, we're going to continue moving forward. We're going to continue moving forward in ways in which we can listen to our community, try to get our staffing stabilized, make sure that we're able to at least try to meet the demands that we're seeing. Last month, we received in excess of 200 requests for shelter. Even if we are fully staffed and able to open up all of our rooms, that is a demand that we're not going to be able to meet on our own. So, I think, again, this is where there has to be a coordinated community response, not just to survivors, but to our community in general. We have to work together to figure out the best way. In which to support the needs that we see on a daily basis. That's going to continue to be our focus.” The Washtenaw Country District Court has provided one Assistant District Attorney and one Legal Advocate for domestic violence to the Safehouse Center. Participate in Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2025 Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a time to educate communities about the signs of domestic and dating violence, support survivors and prevent violence. In 1981, the first "Day of Unity" was held in October by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence to connect those working to end violence against women and their children. The first Christine Watson, Executive Director of Safehouse Center Domestic Violence Awareness Month was officially observed in 1987. Two years later, Congress officially designated October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1989. Awareness campaigns emphasize that domestic violence includes more than just physical abuse and can involve emotional, verbal and psychological abuse, as well as stalking. How to participate awareness: • Wear purple: Purple is the nationally recognized color for DVAM. On specific days, like #PurpleThursday, people wear purple to show support and raise awareness. Many also participate by displaying purple lights at their homes or businesses during the month. • Share online: Use social media to share posts and videos using hashtags like #DomesticViolenceAwareness or #DVAM2025. • Participate in events: Many universities and local organizations host events like "Turn the Campus Purple," clothesline projects, and educational panels. • Support organizations: Donate to or volunteer with local and national organizations that support survivors. • Learn and share: Educate yourself and others about the signs of abuse and the resources available for those in need. On October 3, Groundcover News published an article with the title, “Ways that domestic and other abuses can impact you.” The writer, D.A., talked about her personal experience. Many people within the homeless community can relate to that. Some see DOMESTIC next page and raise
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