Every October, we come together to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This month is about recognizing those who have lost lives to domestic violence, celebrating progress towards ending abuse, and connecting with others to raise awareness about domestic violence. Domestic violence happens across all communities and occurs between family members, spouses, intimate partners.
Note: CCSLS will be co-sponsoring a Domestic Violence Awareness Walk on Sunday, October 27th at 11am Central Park in San Ramon. Join us! Click here to learn more about it.
What is Domestic Violence?
When many people think of domestic violence they think of physical abuse, like hitting someone. Domestic violence isn’t limited to physical violence though. Domestic abuse includes many non-physical forms of abuse and includes the following:
- Physical abuse, including hitting, kicking, pushing, biting, choking or strangling, and injuring or attempting to injure you
- Stalking, including making repeated unwanted contact with you and tracking, controlling, or blocking your movements
- Isolating you from family, friends, or other forms of support
- Stopping someone from accessing or earning money
- Preventing someone from obtaining food or meeting basic needs
- Making threats based on your actual or suspected immigration status
- Using force, threats, or intimidation to make you do something
- Attempting to control or interfere with your contraception, birth control, pregnancy, or access to health information
- Harassing you
- Sexual abuse
- Destroying your property
- Abusing your children or a pet or animal
- Threatening to hurt or kill you
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, there are resources in Contra Costa County to support you. The following organizations provide support to survivors of abuse:
Contra Costa Senior Legal Services provides assistance with restraining orders.
Elder Abuse Prevention Project
Stand for Families Free of Violence
Learn about domestic violence restraining orders