October is Domestic Violence Month

For nearly three decades, Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) has been observed nationally in October as an opportunity to bring light to the issue of domestic violence and its effects on victims, survivors, families, and communities. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in three women and one in four men have been victims of physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime.  (Sited from Virginia Department of Social Services website.) The SDV Program at GoochlandCares assists survivors of sexual and domestic violence through a range of services including a 24/7 hotline, court advocacy program, housing assistance, shelter, and personalized one-on-one support. According to Krista Riggleson, MSW, the Coordinator of the SDV Program, “GoochlandCares Advocates collaborate with survivors to address their trauma in a manner that feels secure to them and progresses at their own comfort level.” In 2022, the GoochlandCares SDV Program extended its services and support to 118 residents of Goochland County, and effectively managed 48 hotline calls. Krista emphasized that this program plays a crucial role, as it serves as a lifeline of assistance, preventing numerous Central VA residents from experiencing crisis situations without a source of support. If you have questions or feel that yourself, a friend, or a coworker might be experiencing sexual or domestic violence please call the GoochlandCares 24-hour confidential hotline – 804-980-6267 – to receive resources, information, and support. The State of Virginia’s 24-hour Family Violence and Sexual Assault hotline number is 1-800-838-8238.