October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Together, We Can Make Our Community a Safer Place
October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a crucial time for community health centers to come together in solidarity with survivors and raise awareness about the ongoing fight to end domestic violence.
Domestic violence affects individuals across all demographics and is a public health crisis that extends beyond physical harm to impact mental, emotional, and social well-being.
Underserved communities face significant challenges when it comes to addressing domestic violence, making them especially vulnerable to abuse while having limited access to crucial care and resources. Factors such as poverty, lack of affordable healthcare, language barriers, and geographic isolation often compound the difficulties that survivors in these communities experience.
Economic barriers: Many survivors in underserved communities cannot afford the healthcare, legal aid, or shelter services they need to escape abusive situations. For those living paycheck to paycheck, the financial cost of seeking help—whether through medical services or court systems—can feel insurmountable, leaving them trapped in dangerous environments.
Limited healthcare access: In rural or economically disadvantaged areas, healthcare facilities may be scarce, making it harder for survivors to access medical treatment or counseling services after abuse. Even when services are available, they might lack the necessary resources, such as multilingual staff or trauma-informed care, to effectively serve diverse populations.
Cultural and language barriers: Many individuals from immigrant or non-English-speaking communities face additional obstacles in seeking help. They may be unfamiliar with the available resources, fear deportation, or encounter cultural stigmas surrounding domestic violence, preventing them from reaching out for help.
At our center, we recognize the importance of comprehensive care for survivors, from physical health services to emotional support and counseling. As we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we are committed to not only offering direct support but also educating the community on the signs of abuse, how to prevent it, and how to intervene safely.
This month is a reminder that everyone has a role to play in creating a world free from violence. Whether you are someone seeking help or looking to support a loved one, our doors are open to provide the care and guidance you need. Together, we can foster safer and healthier communities.
Domestic Violence in California
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in California experience some form of physical violence, sexual violence, or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime.
Also in California . . .
About 85% of domestic violence-related homicide victims are women.
Approximately 40% of women experience physical intimate partner violence in their lifetime.
Women aged 18 to 24 are at the highest risk of experiencing domestic violence.
An estimated 1 in 15 children are exposed to intimate partner violence each year, and 90% of these children witness the violence.
During the pandemic, domestic violence incidents surged, with some estimates suggesting a 25-33% increase.
Domestic Violence Among Black and Latino Communities
Black and Latino communities face an increased vulnerability and barriers when it comes to domestic violence.
Black community
Prevalence: More than 45% of Black women have experienced physical violence, sexual violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime, a higher rate compared to other ethnic groups in the U.S.(Source: DMS Services 2024)
Homicide risk: Black women are disproportionately affected by intimate partner homicides, with rates 2.5 times higher than white women. This is partly due to systemic barriers, including economic disparities and limited access to resources. (Source: Summit Defense)
Underreporting: Black survivors are often less likely to report domestic violence incidents due to mistrust of law enforcement and fear of further discrimination. (Source: DMS Services 2024)
Latino community
Prevalence: About 1 in 3 Latina women experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime. Language barriers, cultural stigmas, and immigration status can make it harder for Latina women to seek help. (Sources: Summit Defense and CDPH)
Immigration status: Latina women who are undocumented face significant barriers in accessing help due to fear of deportation or concerns about losing custody of their children. This fear often leads to underreporting. (Source: Summit Defense)
Health disparities: According to the California Department of Public Health, Latino survivors of domestic violence often face challenges in accessing healthcare, especially mental health services, due to lack of insurance and culturally sensitive care.
How Our Community Health Center Can Help
Confidential Counseling Services: Our behavioral health team provides compassionate, trauma-informed mental health support to survivors of domestic violence.
Medical Care: We offer comprehensive health services to support both the physical and emotional well-being of those impacted by domestic violence.
Referral and Support: If you or someone you know needs additional resources, such as shelters, legal aid, or advocacy services, we can help connect you to the right partners.
Increased Risk Among Pregnant Women
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 324,000 pregnant women are affected by domestic violence annually.
Research shows that pregnancy can be a time of increased vulnerability for intimate partner violence (IPV), with many women experiencing their first incidents of violence during pregnancy.
The physical, emotional, and financial stresses that often accompany pregnancy can exacerbate existing tensions in abusive relationships. Abusers may feel a loss of control or jealousy over the attention the pregnant woman receives, leading to an escalation of violence.
Studies indicate that between 3% to 9% of pregnant women experience intimate partner violence during pregnancy in the U.S., and this can vary widely depending on socioeconomic factors and geographic location.
Domestic violence during pregnancy increases the risk of serious health complications for both the mother and the baby, including miscarriage, preterm labor, low birth weight, and maternal mortality. Physical trauma can directly affect the pregnancy, while stress and emotional abuse can also lead to poor health outcomes.
Helping Pregnant Women at Risk of Domestic Violence
We can play a critical role in helping pregnant women at risk of domestic violence by providing comprehensive support that addresses their unique needs. In addition to providing trauma-informed care, emotional and mental health support, medical care, and referrals to specialized services, community health centers can assist in these key ways:
- Screening and Identification
Health centers can implement routine screening for domestic violence during prenatal visits. Screening tools can help identify signs of physical, emotional, or psychological abuse early, allowing healthcare providers to intervene before the violence escalates. Pregnant women might feel more comfortable disclosing abuse in a healthcare setting, especially if they are asked in a private and safe manner.
- Safety Planning
Health centers can offer safety planning for pregnant women experiencing domestic violence. This might involve helping them develop a plan to safely leave an abusive relationship, ensuring they have access to shelters, or connecting them to legal resources, such as restraining orders.
- Access to Prenatal and Postnatal Care
Domestic violence during pregnancy can have serious health implications for both the mother and the baby, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal complications. Ensuring that pregnant women receive regular prenatal care and support is essential for monitoring both their physical and mental health.
- Culturally Sensitive Care
Pregnant women from underserved or immigrant communities often face additional barriers in accessing help, such as language barriers or cultural stigmas. A community health center can offer culturally sensitive care by providing multilingual staff and working to reduce cultural barriers, ensuring all women feel comfortable seeking help.
- Education and Awareness
Health centers can educate pregnant women on the signs of domestic violence, their rights, and the resources available to them. Workshops, brochures, or one-on-one consultations can provide critical information on how to seek help.
- Mobile Health Services
For women in underserved areas (and rural), access to healthcare can be limited. Mobile health services or telehealth options can provide critical care and screening for domestic violence, ensuring pregnant women have access to support even if they are geographically isolated.
Ensuring Equal Access for All
At Marin City Health and Wellness Center, we are committed to breaking down barriers by offering accessible, culturally sensitive services. We work to ensure that every individual—regardless of their background or circumstances—has the support they need to find safety and healing during Domestic Violence Awareness Month and beyond. Our services are tailored to meet the unique needs of underserved populations, providing not only medical care but also connections to legal aid, housing, and mental health support.
Together, we can work toward a future where everyone has equal access to safety and resources, no matter their socioeconomic status or geographic location.
- Contact us at (415) 339-8813
- Visit our website at marincity.org
- If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 911.
About MCHWC
Marin City Health and Wellness is a community health clinic serving Marin and San Francisco Counties, providing innovative health and wellness services to all, with the goal of African American health equity.
For an appointment, call (415) 339-8813.