Panelists during the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD)’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month program offered insights on emergency shelters, self-love, safety, counseling, and workforce development. (Sym Posey, The Birmingham Times)
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By Sym Posey
The Birmingham Times
The Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD) hosted its Lifting Voices, Breaking Silence Domestic Violence Awareness Month on Friday at Cooper Green Homes Community Center in collaboration with the Birmingham Police Department, Department of Human Resources, and several other agencies.
Residents got a chance to meet with local organizations who support those affected by domestic violence and the program provided insights and resources on shelters, self-love, safety, counseling, and workforce development.
Denita Bearden, Chief Administrator Officer of the HABD said, “I have a passion for domestic violence awareness as a survivor myself. This program is creating awareness around how we can combat domestic violence, equip ourselves, report violence, how we can safely exit.”
First observed in October 1981 as a national “Day of Unity,” Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is held each October as an effort to end domestic violence and bring awareness. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. DVAM is a chance for anyone and everyone to unite in the work to end domestic violence.
“I think the more can create a wraparound service and a community around people feeling like they can speak out, that’s how you make change,” Bearden said. “People who are in bad situations or know people who need help need to know that there is a way out. “
