Wayne County marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month with resources, support for survivors

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This month provides an opportunity for Wayne County residents to demonstrate their commitment to ending domestic violence and supporting survivors in the community.

It is urgent awareness is raised about the widespread prevalence of domestic violence in the community and that community members learn how to prevent it.

In Ohio 38% of women and 33% of men experience intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner rape and/or intimate partner stalking in their lifetimes. Intimate partner violence accounts for 20% of all violent crime. From July 2023 to June 2024, there were 114 domestic violence-related homicides in Ohio, and 15 of the victims were children and teens.

Key homicide risk factors are abuser unemployment, strangulation, stalking and gun ownership, which collectively account for 74% of all national domestic violence deaths.

Domestic violence hotlines are a lifeline for victims in danger, providing support, information, safety planning and resources. The OneEighty 24-Hour Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Hotline (800-686-1122) serves an average of 60 callers per month.

Abusers are not what people expect. They may look and act like a friend and neighbor. They may be funny, charming, kind, caring and considerate. Their abusive behavior lives behind closed doors, which explains why victims often aren’t believed when they disclose abuse. It may seem impossible to imagine, based on the abuser’s public persona. There is no typical victim or perpetrator. Anyone can be abused, regardless of age, race, nationality, sexual orientation, educational background or income.

The following is a list of signs of a battering personality. If a person exhibits three or more of these behaviors, there could be a strong potential for physical violence: jealousy, controlling behavior, quick involvement, unrealistic expectations, isolation, blames others for problems, blames others for feelings, hypersensitivity, cruelty to animals and/or children, “playful” use of force in sex, verbal abuse, rigid sex roles, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personalities, past physical abuse, threats of violence, striking or breaking objects, or any force during an argument.

Local services include free victim advocacy through both the justice system and community agencies such as OneEighty and the Wayne County Children’s Advocacy Center, which support survivors with navigating recovery from victimization. The Wayne County Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Coalition is comprised of professionals from nonprofit and government agencies that work to improve services and outcomes for those in danger, expand public awareness of sexual and domestic violence, and locate outreach opportunities to educate the community on sexual and domestic violence.

OneEighty is the primary service provider in the area for individuals and families affected by domestic violence and sexual assault, with a domestic violence shelter in Wooster, professional mental health counseling for adults and children who are victims and survivors of domestic violence, and victim advocacy services.

The main office is located at 104 Spink St. in Wooster. Stop in or call 330-264-8498 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to schedule an appointment with a health care professional or victim advocate.