October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month - Display and LibGuide

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which was first recognized by Congress in 1989 to encourage awareness of the tragedy of domestic violence, to encourage the support of those who are working to end domestic violence, and to promote other efforts toward this important cause.  Legislation designating the commemorative month has passed each year since.

This year, the President's Proclamation of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) calls on "all Americans to speak out against domestic violence and support local efforts to assist victims of these crimes in finding the help and healing they need."  It also highlights the 20th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and the recent reauthorization of VAWA which "expanded housing assistance; added critical protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans; and empowered tribal governments to protect Native American women from domestic violence in Indian Country." 

In recognition of DVAM, the Law Library has coordinated with the USD School of Law Domestic Violence, Sexual Violence, and Stalking Project (DVSVSP) to create a display offering both Law Library resources on Domestic Violence Law as well as community resources available to victims of domestic violence.  Information on Domestic Violence Safe Options Services (a Vermillion-based member program of the South Dakota Coalition Ending Domestic and Sexual Violence) is available, as well as one of the silhouettes and materials from the Coalition's Silent Witness program.  The silhouettes represent South Dakota women and children who were killed by acts of domestic violence.

Throughout the month of October, DVSVSP is welcoming donations on behalf of Domestic Violence Safe Options Services.  Donations can be placed in the bin under the display table in the Law Library.  Suggested donations include any paper products, such as paper towels, toilet paper, and tissues, as well as household cleaning products.  Domestic Violence Safe Options Services can be contacted at (605)624-5311.

The Law Library has also created a LibGuide that offers information and resources to those researching in the area of Domestic Violence Law.