Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the overlap with human trafficking

We recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month each October at LifeWay Network. The nationwide campaign aims to bring awareness of domestic violence against all people and intends to connect advocates across the nation to work on this devastating problem. It spotlights the signs of abuse and ways to stop it, uplifts survivor stories and provides additional resources to leaders and policymakers.

Origins

The origins of Domestic Violence Awareness Month can be traced back to a Day of Unity in October 1981, which was conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The Day of Unity was an entire week devoted to a range of activities conducted at the local, state and national levels. In 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. That same year also marks the initiation of the national domestic violence toll-free hotline. Since then the month has been observed each year with a new theme. This year the theme is to Heal, Hold and Center, embracing ways “we can heal from violence, hold space for survivors, and center those most marginalized” (National Domestic Violence Hotline).

Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence

There is a very strong correlation between human trafficking and domestic violence. “The federal government also has acknowledged the link between these two crimes, recognizing that cases that initially appear to be domestic violence may mask sex or labor trafficking” (Human Trafficking Legal Center).

It is not uncommon in federal trafficking prosecutions for the trafficker to be the husband, boyfriend or romantic partner of the victim, as a trafficker is usually someone close to the victim. In this case trafficking and domestic violence occur simultaneously. “Additionally, domestic violence at home may become a ‘push factor’ that causes someone to become vulnerable to trafficking” (UNICEF).

LifeWay’s Work

At LifeWay Network, we recognize the link between these two issues, especially as they disproportionately affect women, and we are actively finding ways to support these survivors. We achieve this through our safe housing program, which provides housing to both domestic and foreign-born survivors of trafficking. Not only is our safe housing a place to stay, but it is also a home where women can rebuild their lives while receiving assistance from social workers, mental health counseling, legal support and connections with educational and job training opportunities.

We also maintain an education program with training on healthy relationships, how to identify potential instances of trafficking and how to recognize the warning signs and high-risk situations.