Statement from the Network 10-20-21
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Today we grieve with the friends and family of Emily Ferlazzo, and extend our deepest condolences to all that Emily knew. Every life lost to domestic violence is one too many.
While Vermont is considered a safe state, for domestic violence victims, the danger is real and far too common. Domestic violence is more prevalent than you may think. Last year, 19,000 hotline calls were made by Vermonters seeking support and resources due to domestic violence or sexual abuse, and almost 9,000 people sought out in-person help. It is likely that you know someone in your life who is or has experienced domestic violence. Domestic violence accounts for half of all the homicides in Vermont. Most people who commit these crimes have exhibited a pattern of abuse with their current and/or former partners. Firearms are used in the majority of domestic violence homicides and pose the most serious risk to victims of domestic violence.
Domestic violence can be hard to identify. The abuse often occurs behind closed doors and is not always physically apparent. Abusive partners also use emotional, psychological and financial abuse to control their partners. For victims of domestic violence, attempting to separate from their partners can be the most dangerous time in their relationship. If you are in an abusive relationship, support is available. You can talk to an advocate in your area at https://www.vtnetwork.org/get-help/
A life without violence is possible. If you are or think you might be violent or controlling towards your partner, it doesn’t have to be that way. You can be supported to change. There is a better way to live and care for your partner and your family. Please reach out to a friend or family member for help. There are also domestic violence accountability programs serving every community in our state. You can enroll yourself in one of those programs to seek help.
It is up to all of us to believe survivors of domestic violence and support their choices. When someone discloses to you that they are experiencing violence, listen to them. Let them know that you are concerned about their safety and that you support them and offer to connect them with someone who can help or how they can get connected to a hotline. We all have a role to play in ending violence and it starts with supporting those who need it the most.
About the Vermont Network
The Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (Vermont Network) is Vermont’s leading voice to end domestic and sexual violence. Our mission is to create a world free from oppression where actions, beliefs and systems support all people to thrive. The Vermont Network is a membership organization. Our members are 15 independent non-profit organizations across Vermont that serve survivors of domestic and sexual violence. The Vermont Network convenes and supports this coalition of member organizations to work together to engage communities in the shared work of ending domestic and sexual violence in our state. Learn more at www.vtnetwork.org
Contact: Karen Tronsgard-Scott [email protected][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]