Jamestown (SAFE Shelter) First declared in 1989, the month has been used to acknowledge domestic violence survivors and be a voice for its victims.

Locally, Safe Shelter Jamestown provides resources and space for those dealing with domestic abuse and sexual violence.

“Domestic violence is prevalent in every community, and affects all people regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality,” the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) states. “Physical violence is often accompanied by emotionally abusive and controlling behavior as part of a much larger, systematic pattern of dominance and control. Domestic violence can result in physical injury, psychological trauma, and even death.”

Locally, Safe Shelter Jamestown provides resources and space for those dealing with domestic abuse and sexual violence.

SAFE Shelter Director Shauna Kemp points out that,

According to the NCTSN, an average of 20 people are physically abused by intimate partners every minute.

This equates to more than 10 million abuse victims annually“1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been physically abused by an intimate partner, and 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men have been severely physically abused by an intimate partner.”

If you or someone you know is being sexually abused or dealing with domestic violence, you can contact Safe Shelter Jamestown on their 24/7 hotline at 701-251-2300 or the national line at 888-353-SAFE(7233).

To show support, you can use purple lightbulbs in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Kemp says they are willing to provide them if requested.

You can visit safeshelterjamestown.org for more information.