FRESNO COUNTY – October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the Marjaree Mason Center is hoping to spread the message.
As part of its mission to spread awareness, the Marjaree Mason Center is encouraging residents to partake in Purple Thursday on Oct. 17 by wearing something purple to draw attention to the matter of domestic violence. According to the National Coalition against Domestic Violence (NCADV), more than 12 million women and men are abused by their partner each year.
“Domestic violence can take on many forms, from physical and verbal abuse to emotional, sexual and financial abuse,” the Marjaree Mason Center wrote in a press release. “Breaking the cycle of abuse is crucial to prevent it from being passed on from generation to generation.”
Domestic Violence Awareness Month originated in 1981 with the creation of a National Day of Unity, which was created to help connect advocates and spread awareness. The movement was spearheaded by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. In 1987, the day spread to a month-long campaign. In 1989, it was codified as a national day of recognition and has been renewed every year since.
Fresno County has three domestic violence shelters and a dedicated hotline. The Marjaree Mason Center operates a 24-hour-per-day, seven-day-per-week hotline, emergency shelter and legal assistance to survivors. Pavarelo House – Naomi’s House Women’s Shelter also offers services to assist domestic violence victims. Evangel Home is available to provide emergency shelter, counseling and housing services.
In Tulare County, the city of Tulare offers several options for people experiencing domestic violence to escape. Five shelters are in operation with specific resources available to aid women and children with locations in Tulare and Visalia serving the community. The Tulare County District Attorney’s website also provides several help-line phone numbers to provide additional support and help with getting out of a violent relationship.
According to data presented by the Open Justice portal of the California Department of Justice, Tulare County reported 2,533 calls for service because of domestic violence in 2023 which represents a decrease from 2022 of more than 2,981 calls.
In Fresno County, there were 13,348 reported for the year of 2023; this is an increase from the 11,291 calls that were reported in the county for 2022.
Anyone experiencing domestic violence is encouraged to seek help through one of the toll-free hotlines available or by contacting law enforcement. Resources are available in Tulare County to assist with finding temporary and permanent housing, healthcare, and assistance with preventing abusers from finding the victims.
