Los Alamos Reporter

October Is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

LAPD NEWS

Domestic violence is prevalent in every community, including Los Alamos. One in three women and one in four men in the United States have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner.  Fortunately, there are options available to victims of abuse. 

What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior and coercive control by one person to gain and maintain power over another. It can occur between spouses, intimate partners, family members, and dating relationships; regardless of age, race, gender, education level, sexual orientation, religion, economic status, etc.)

The signs of domestic violence include: 

  • Physical abuse (pushing, punching, slapping, choking, kicking, holding you against your will, using a weapon or threatening to use a weapon)
  • Verbal abuse
  • Sexual abuse
  • Financial abuse
  • Displays jealous, controlling, or possessive behavior
  • Blames others for his/her/their problems, does not take responsibility for their actions, or minimizes his/her/their actions
  • Threatens self-harm, harm to children or pets
  • Destroys property
  • Stalks the victim and/or violates order(s) of protection

COVID-19
“While temporary closures and social distancing have been effective in slowing the spread of COVID-19, it poses a safety risk for those who are experiencing abuse at home. The pandemic has created uncertainty in our everyday lives. An increase in stress and disconnect from social support systems can put a person at greater risk for violence at the hands of an intimate partner. An abuser may also use the pandemic as a means to manipulate and keep a victim isolated from family, friends, and other resources.”

If you are a victim of abuse, know you are not alone, and you don’t have to continue to live in fear. The Los Alamos County Victim Assistant can provide you with support and information about the options available to you. Including

  • Crisis Intervention
  • Safety planning 
  • Emergency shelter 
  • Emotional support 
  • Referrals
  • Assist with filing an Order of Protection  

All services are confidentially, and the victims are not required to have a police report with law enforcement. You can reach the Victim Assistant Monday-Friday 9 am-3 pm at (505) 663-3511 or text at (505) 709-8135.