By Marcelyn Joseph
Domestic violence or intimate partner violence affects more than 12 million Americans each year, according to statistics from the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. It includes sexual and physical violence, stalking, and psychological aggression. Nearly 29 percent of women and 10 percent of men in the United States have experienced domestic violence and reported it as having a related impact on their ability to function.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It provides an opportunity for people to learn how to prevent domestic violence and show support for organizations and individuals that provide critical advocacy, services, and assistance to victims and survivors.
During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Morristown Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated posted on its website links to a series of videos that depicted domestic violence through vignettes. Produced by Spirit of Excellence, each dramatization aimed to elevate awareness of domestic violence and help end abuse.
Spirit of Excellence is a nonprofit organization that provides personal development training to women of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds to improve their quality of life. Several members of Morristown Alumnae supported the organization’s fundraising efforts
by purchasing "I am" affirmation T-shirts that display one of four empowering statements: “I am a powerful force for a positive change,” “I am the voice of silence,” “I am the seed of greatness,” and “I am not invisible.”
“We were happy to help,” stated Chapter President Marian Sykes Johnson, who purchased an “I am a powerful force for a positive change” T-shirt. “We hope others will do the same.”
The T-shirts and face masks can be purchased online.