GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — October is Domestic Violence Awareness month and Safe Haven Ministries out of Grand Rapids is hoping to shed light on the issue by sharing resources for those in need of support.
Domestic violence impacts more than 12 million people each year. Tara Aday is the Senior Director at Safe Haven Ministries. She said this month the center has helped organize events for domestic violence training and healing in the community.
"One in four women and one in nine men will experience domestic violence at some point in their lifetime," said Aday.
Domestic Violence impacts people of all ages and backgrounds – and that's why this October, Aday said now more than ever, Safe Haven Ministries is hoping to shed light on the issue.
"It's even more prevalent in trans and non-binary communities and in communities of color. Then the other thing we know about its pervasiveness too is that it has a ripple effect, and so when individuals are impacted by domestic violence, they're also often experiencing other hardships around maybe economic homelessness, substance use, mental health," said Aday.
According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, an average of 24 people per minute are victims of domestic violence. Aday said domestic violence can look different for everyone.
"Whether it's emotional, psychological, verbal, social isolation, using culture against somebody to further perpetuate harm, domestic violence is so expansive and it's so detrimental to individuals impacted by it," said Aday.
Leaving an abusive situation can be difficult— and that's why Aday said the center offers resources to help people plan a safe exit for themselves, their children and their pets.
"We operate a 24/7, hotline that individuals can call or they can text, it's 616-452-6664. I really would encourage a victim or survivor, if they're considering leaving to give our hotline a call or to walk into our office so that we can help develop a safety plan," said Aday.
Safe Haven Ministries also offers shelter and housing support for survivors and victims.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline phone number is 1-800-799-7233 which can be called anytime, 24/7 for support.