On October 1^st, 2022, Governor Whitmer declared October as Domestic Violence Awareness month.  Domestic violence is when a person exerts to aim control and power over their partner through physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. The signs of domestic abuse are not that obvious as people may think because domestic abuse is about controlling someone’s mind or emotions just as much as hurting their body. Some physical signs of abuse can be: Black eye, bruises on the arms or red or purple marks on the neck. Sexual signs of abuse show depression, increase in drug and alcohol use, self-harm and suicidal thoughts.(RAINN) Furthermore, emotional signs of domestic violence could include: low self esteem, anxiety, fearful or symptoms of depression.

Governor Whitmer states that “Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that impacts every community” which is true, but what people don’t talk about is how a person becomes abusive or gets into an abusive relationship. People who were sexually abused as a child are at greater risk of being in adult relationships where domestic violence occurs. Domestic violence in the home where a child is present is a predictor that child sexual abuse could happen. Children who view this type of violence in the home are at risk of being traumatized. (MOSAC)

According to MOSAC, children in these violent homes can develop PTSD and experience flashbacks, anxiety and acting out. “Children who have been sexually abused have more than three times as many sexual behavior problems as children who have not been sexually abused” (Darkness to Light). Additionally, adults that have experienced child sexual abuse in their life are at risk of getting into a domestically violent relationship as an adult. A Courageous Voice offers programs for children and adults to get involved in prevention education around  child safety to keep children safe on and offline. ACV's programs can help increase opportunities for children to have positive childhood experiences and empowerment for safer and healthier lives.

It's important to address these issues now and get prevention education to our youth so we can create a safe space for health and well-being early on.  If you know someone that is a victim of Domestic violence or child sexual abuse, please call these hotlines or speak up. National Domestic Violence Hotline - 800-799-7233, Child help: USA National Child Abuse Hotline - 1-800-422-4453.