History of Domestic Violence Awareness​

In October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed in hopes of helping those who have suffered from domestic violence by holding offenders accountable for their actions. Statistics reveal that every nine seconds a woman is assaulted or beaten, with some who die at the hands of their attacker. For this reason and many others, ending violence in the home became a national necessity that requires observation and commitment from every segment of society.

Domestic violence can happen to anyone, regardless of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender, and is a growing problem throughout the country. Also known as domestic abuse, spousal abuse, battering, family violence, dating abuse and intimate partner violence, it can be defined as a pattern of controlling behaviors in any relationship that is used by one partner to establish power over the other.

One in four women has experienced domestic violence during their lifetime. Estimates range from 960,000 incidents of violence against a current or former spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend to three million women who are physically abused by their husband or boyfriend throughout the country each year. According to records, on average, more than three women and one man are murdered by their intimate partners in the country each day.

Domestic violence can happen to couples who are married, living together or who are dating. Abuse can be described not only as physical, but also sexual, emotional, economical or psychological actions or threats that may influence another person by behavior, intimidation, terrorizing, manipulation, humiliation, or injuring and wounding someone.

Most intimate partner homicides occur between spouses, though boyfriends and girlfriends have committed about the same number of homicides in recent years. According to the National Domestic Violence data source, the risk of a woman being killed by an intimate partner significantly increases when the abuser has access to a gun and has made previous threats or assaults with a gun, threatens murder, is extremely jealous, or is physically violent with increasing severity and/or frequency.

The risk of homicide also is increased if the victim has recently separated from the offender, or the offender stalks the victim. While alcohol, poverty, mental illness and other factors may play roles in domestic violence, there is no rational justification for a selfish act like taking someone else’s life or harming another. While the statistics are staggering, the danger is real and those who believe they are being abused should reach out for help. Everyone has the right to feel safe in a relationship. Domestic violence not only hurts the abused person, but also all family members.

Our goal at Stephy’s House is to prevent domestic violence through community education, awareness and early intervention programs. Stephy’s House will provide hope and healing to empower victims to become survivors.

Our Mission:

​We are committed to investing with victims of domestic abuse in their journey to a violence-free life.