This year marks the 30th year of National Domestic Abuse Awareness Month and a call to people nationwide to take a stand to end domestic abuse. Why is it important for you to take a stand?

• Domestic abuse is prevalent in all communities across the U.S. and impacts many of us directly or through friends, co-workers and family.
• Domestic abuse does not discriminate. Perpetrators and survivors represent people of any age, financial status, race, religion or education.
• It’s likely someone you know has experienced domestic abuse because it’s the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44, impacting one-third of U.S. women during their lifetime.
• Last year, alone, Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM) provided survivors and their children 2,898 nights of refuge at the Safe Home. An additional 429 survivors utilized non-residential counseling and advocacy services.

• Talk to friends and family about this issue and join the conversation on social media. #DVFacts #JoyfulHeart #loveisrespect #DVAM2017
• Take a selfie or group photo to share on social media about why and how you are taking a stand against domestic abuse. #TakeAStand17 #NOMORE
• Collect cellphones for survivors or to raise dollars that support domestic abuse programming through the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan; drop donated cell phones at the WRCNM main office.
• Activate friends, coworkers or neighbors to host an awareness event, contact the WRCNM Violence Prevention Coordinator for ideas and input at (231) 347-1572.
• Download and share awareness and educational materials online.  Click here!