October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Choose your partner carefully!
October 19, 2011Athens County Children Services is supporting strong families and relationships by observing National Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October and reminding you to choose your partner carefully. A healthy relationship is the building block of many families, and sets an excellent example for children in our community.
Domestic violence is bigger than two people; it affects families and communities as well. An abusive relationship sets a harmful example for the relationships they will carry on in their own adult lives. We can all be advocates of National Domestic Violence Month by doing our part to stop abuse within our community.
Taking steps to prevent domestic violence in your own life builds a lasting foundation for you and those around you of strong, secure relationships. Spreading the message that healthy relationships are based on love and equality teaches loved ones how to grow in healthy relationships throughout their lives.
Choose Your Partner Carefully is a state-wide campaign that recognizes the potential harm that partners of parents may have on their children. A partner who commits domestic abuse is also likely to abuse or neglect involved children. Warning signs that a partner may potentially harm a child include: being impatient with the child, calling the child names, discouraging bonding time between child and parent, or being extremely controlling of the decisions made regarding the child or parent.
If you are a witness or victim to domestic violence, you can report the abuse by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or the local My Sister’s Place Hotline at 740-593-3402. If you recognize signs of child abuse or neglect, please report it to Athens County Children Services. You can contact us Monday through Friday from the hours of 8a.m. to 4:30p.m. by calling 740-592-3061. Outside of these hours or during holidays, you can report child abuse to 1-877-477-0772.
Athens County Children Services loves to see happy children in strong families. Do your part to end and prevent domestic violence in our community by spreading the love of your own special bonds and teaching your children the values of a healthy relationship.
