October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

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In its recent monthly meeting, the Mountain Village Town Council approved a proclamation in partnership with the San Miguel Resource Center to once again declare October 2020 Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we urge every member of our community to be part of the solution, which is even more urgent during these unprecedented times. COVID has increased stressors for families, which can escalate domestic violence. Abusers are exploiting health guidelines to further harm partners, children and pets and are likely to be held less accountable for their actions. Some studies have indicated that domestic violence instances increased by 50% after the stay at home mandates. Also, systemic racism and other forms of oppression compound the trauma experienced by survivors from historically marginalized communities, and we must acknowledge this reality and work to end all forms of oppression. At the San Miguel Resource Center, we envision an equitable community in which every person has the right and the ability to be safe, respected, empowered and free from oppression, violence and the fear of violence, and we hope you join us in our work to make this vision a reality.

Domestic violence is a purposeful and systemic pattern of behavior aimed at gaining power and control over an intimate partner, and it includes physical, sexual, psychological, emotional and economic abuse.

On average, 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States — more than 12 million people over the course of a year; and there is a common link between domestic violence and child abuse; and Domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless of employment or educational level, race or ethnicity, religion, marital status, physical ability, age, gender or sexual orientation; and all community members can and should work together to end relationship violence because domestic violence is prevalent in every community, even small ones, and has devastating consequences that can last a lifetime and cross generations.

The San Miguel Resource Center has continued to offer free services for those in unsafe situations through the pandemic and offers a 24-hour hotline for those in need by calling: 970.728.5660. To learn more about their services, please visit their website.

If you are being abused, please call the Resource Center's Toll-Free 24-Hour Helpline at (844) 816.3915 or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-SAFE (7233). Online chat support is also available from the National Domestic Violence Hotline for those not able to make a phone call.

The Resource Center would like to than their 2020 Community Partner Awardees: Jacqui Distefani Keokuk (Community Partner), Marty Langion (Volunteer Advocate), Allie Sutherland (West End Volunteer Advocate), The Rimrock Hotel (West End COmmunity Partner) and Kattie Neesham of the San Miguel Sheriff's Office (as the Law Enforcement Partner).

Additionally, they'll be hosting a few socially distanced events to further commemorate the month:

  • October 22, Purple Day- Wear purple this day to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month and find information about healthy relationships on Wilkinson Public Library’s story walk along the river trail. Post a picture and tag @sanmiguelresourcecenter to show your support!
  • October 24, Screening of I, Tonya at the Norwood Public Library. Pre-registration will be required. Check out their Facebook Page for details.
  • November 1, Hero WOD Fundraiser with Telluride Crossfit at 3:30 in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

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