Governor Cooper Declares October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    Raleigh, NC     Governor Roy Cooper proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month to bring attention to this national issue. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline nearly 3 in 10 women and 1 in 10 men have experienced rape, physical violence and/or stalking by a partner in the U.S.

    "Domestic Violence hurts families and communities," said Governor Cooper. "We're going to continue to raise awareness and assist law enforcement and the court system to help survivors get the support and resources they need."

    Purple is the nationally recognized color of domestic violence, representing courage, peace, and dedication to ending violence which often includes physical, mental, sexual, emotional and/or financial abuse. On October 19, North Carolinians are encouraged to help spread awareness by wearing purple and sharing images across social media using #WearPurpleDay.

    "In recent years there has been an alarming number of domestic violence cases that resulted in homicide," said NC Department of Administration Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell. "Domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless of race, gender, religion, or socioeconomic status. It is crucial that we continue to educate communities to help break the cycle of abuse."

    According to the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence, in 2022 there were at least 47 homicides in North Carolina that were a direct result of domestic violence including 11 victims whose perpetrators died by suicide.

    In 2019, Governor Cooper signed a "safe days" executive directive to support survivors of domestic violence. The directive permits eligible state employees in cabinet agencies to use earned leave for necessary absences from work due to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

    The NC Department of Administration's Council for Women and Youth Involvement provides funding to 104 domestic violence programs in 97 North Carolina counties. These programs offer shelter, counseling, 24-hour crisis lines, transportation, and court and advocacy services. More than 68,000 adults and children received domestic violence services both remotely and in-person and over 104,000 crisis calls and chats were received from individuals seeking domestic violence assistance from those DOA-funded programs during fiscal year 2022-23.

    For additional resources including a directory of state-funded domestic violence agencies, visit the NC Council for Women and Youth Involvement website.

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