Breast cancer, domestic violence awareness highlighted throughout the month of October
October is filled with awareness campaigns, and two of the largest, for breast cancer and domestic violence, primarily target women — though men can be affected.
October also is the awareness month for Down Syndrome, Fire Prevention, Liver Cancer and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, containing a variety of other, shorter observations such as Mental Health Awareness Week, which began Sunday.
Think pink
Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The goal throughout the month is to ‘increase awareness of the importance of detecting breast cancer early through monthly self-exams, regular clinical exams and mammograms’.
Nationally, the American Cancer Society estimates that 281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer will occur among women, along with 49,290 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer during 2021. About 2,650 new cases of breast cancer are expected in men in 2021.
Those numbers could be reduced by at least 30% if women followed recommended screening guidelines — regular exams and mammograms.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
“So often, our work must happen behind closed doors to ensure the safety of our clients,” “Domestic Violence Awareness Month gives us an opportunity to engage the public in the work we do serving women, men and children all year long. Sometimes we, ourselves, must stay behind the curtain of the public.” stated the director of a women’s shelter.
The shelter serves victims on an outreach basis or as residents.
The shelter’s family therapist, works with victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking, seeing families, individuals, children and people in group counseling settings.
One in four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, she said, many “having challenges associated with breaking free from these situations.”
Domestic violence situations are about power and control, she said, which can include financial manipulation, control over children and pets, or how one spends time or money.
Often, it involves keeping victims away from friends and family members.
“There’s a common theme of needing support,” Sullivan said, victims often not believed in their social or familial circles.
“We save lives every day,” she said.
If you see something, say something. If you are a victim or see something please reach out to the Domestic Violence Hotline 24/7 at 1.800.799.7233.
