October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

DES MOINES, IA (09/30/2010)(readMedia)-- Children & Families of Iowa's (CFI) Domestic Violence Services program is looking to raise awareness on the severe impact of domestic violence on our society during Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.

With statistics showing that one in four women will be affected by domestic violence in her lifetime, it is evident there is a need for awareness. CFI's program has a number of educational meetings and activities for the month of October. Thursday, October 14 will be the main event with a domestic violence simulation, vendors with educational and volunteer information, entertainment, and food and beverages. The event will take place at Department of Human Services Riverplace, 2309 Euclid Ave, from 4-7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information about the awareness events going on throughout the month, see the attached calendar.

About Children & Families of Iowa

Children & Families of Iowa is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring hope, building futures and changing lives throughout Iowa. With offices in Ankeny, Des Moines, Fort Dodge, Marshalltown, Osceola and Ottumwa, Children & Families of Iowa is restoring hope for victims of domestic violence, helping teens find their futures, creating safe homes for children, preparing children to succeed and helping people reshape their lives. Last year, Children & Families of Iowa served more than 21,000 individuals in all of Iowa's 99 counties. Please visit www.cfiowa.org for more information.

About Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) evolved from the "Day of Unity" in October 1981 conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV). The intent was to connect advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children. The Day of Unity soon became an entire week devoted to a range of activities conducted at the local, state, and national levels.

In October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. That same year marks the initiation of the first national domestic violence toll-free hotline. In 1989 the U.S. Congress passed Public Law 101-112 designating October of that year as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Such legislation has passed every year since with NCADV providing key leadership in this effort. Each year, the Day of Unity is celebrated the first Monday of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. For more information, visit http://dvam.vawnet.org/index.php.

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