October is a busy month for a lot of reasons. It's the final run up to Election Day, It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month and it's also designated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. While it's important for us to acknowledge that, it's also something we should be addressing all year long.

Domestic Violence Awareness month is nearly over, but that doesn't mean that on November 1 there won't be someone out there living in danger and fear. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence says that, on average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men.

One in four women and one in seven men have been victims of severe physical violence (e.g. beating, burning, strangling) by an intimate partner in their lifetime. On a typical day, there are more than 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide.

Last week, Governor Andrew Cuomo directed numerous state properties and landmarks to be illuminated in purple to mark “Wear Purple Day” and raise awareness across New York State.

“With this action, we shine a light on the plague of domestic violence in a show of support for survivors and their families,” Governor Cuomo said. “The unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic have increased the sense of isolation faced by survivors, but New York will continue the fight to bring domestic abusers to justice and protect the most vulnerable among us.”

It's true that our local and national response to the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted a lot of public focus away from other serious issues. But that doesn't mean you're alone. There are people willing to help.

Fearless! Hudson Valley, Inc. (formerly known as Safe Homes of Orange County) was founded in 1986 over a kitchen table by those very kind of people. They are currently the only private, not-for-profit agency in Orange and Sullivan Counties entirely dedicated to assisting survivors of domestic violence, teen dating violence, and human trafficking by providing free and confidential services.

In 2019, Fearless! Hudson Valley, Inc. said they provided 24,845 advocacy services, 5,419 nights of safety, served 4,391 adults and children and received 7,968 calls to their hotline service.

Trained advocates are available 24/7 to provide support, information and referrals to victims and their families, and community members. Anyone can call their hotline at 845-562-5340 or visit them at fearlesshv.org for more information.

With vigilance and determination, we can support victims and survivors and hold offenders accountable.