For Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 211 Spreads Resource Information to the Ventura County Community

Every October, Interface Children & Family Services (Interface), 211, and organizations worldwide observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding domestic violence, educating communities about its realities, and spreading awareness of the resources available to those affected.

Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors used to exert power and control over an intimate partner. Many victims and perpetrators of domestic violence grow up in homes where violence is normalized, often not recognizing that they are either victims or abusers.

At Interface, we aim to break this cycle by raising awareness and helping communities work toward ending domestic violence. The Power and Control Wheel is a useful tool for identifying unhealthy dynamics in relationships.

Leaving an abusive relationship is often far more complicated than it seems. On average, it takes a victim seven attempts to leave their abuser for good. The moment a victim decides to leave is also the most dangerous, as the abuser feels their control slipping away. Many victims remain in abusive relationships due to fear, financial dependence, cultural or religious beliefs, concerns for the safety of their children and pets, and even the legal challenges they may face.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, we urge you to call Interface’s 24/7 domestic violence hotline at (800) 636-6738 to speak with an advocate. Victims can access emergency shelter where they receive support, safety planning, case management, counseling, and assistance with restraining orders. Interface’s shelter is pet-friendly, ensuring that victims can stay with their pets while receiving care.

211 is a program of Interface, a local domestic violence service organization in Ventura County that provides a 24/7 hotline and an array of supportive services for victims, including safe shelter, safety planning, counseling, and advocacy.

Through an easy-to-remember 3-digit number, 211 is a vital, confidential, and free resource that connects victims to services they need while ensuring their privacy. 211 takes a holistic approach, providing referrals to resources not only for domestic violence but also for food, legal aid, mental health support, and other necessities.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline also provides crisis intervention, safety planning, support, advocacy, and referrals to local resources. They offer telephone counseling, text messages, and online chat.

The Coalition for Family Harmony also provides 30-day shelter stays for victims and their families. Services include:

• Assistance with restraining orders
• Counseling referrals
• Locating safe housing
• Accompanying residents to court and police department
• Providing support during mediation in domestic violence issues
• Assisting with the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) application for immigrant women

By visiting 211Ventura.org, you can find an array of domestic violence services, including Protective/restraining orders and Confidential Address Protection Programs, which can help a survivor stay safe after leaving. Confidential Address Protection programs can also empower victims to do things like vote without their abuser using public record information. For more about voting safety, visit NOMORE.org’s blog on barriers to voting for victims here.

Other resources include Domestic violence support groups, which can provide ongoing support for survivors and their families. If you would like to support Interface’s Domestic Violence programs, you can help by donating here. If you would like to donate in kind, you can reach out to Interface at 805-485-6114 or simply donate to CANN in West Ventura, which provides vouchers for shelter residents.