October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, giving Knox County Health Department’s Violence Prevention Program the opportunity to highlight the issue of domestic violence and its effects on victims, survivors, families and communities. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in three women and one in four men have been victims of physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime.
This month, KCHD encourages everyone to have open conversations about the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships. To help facilitate conversations on this topic, visit the Violence Prevention Program webpage here, where an informational domestic violence PSA is available to view and be shared. KCHD’s Violence Prevention Program provides prevention education and support on the topics of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child sexual abuse as well as other forms of interpersonal violence in Knox County.
“Unhealthy relationships can be emotionally and/or physically abusive and can happen to anyone,” said Amy Rowling, Violence Prevention Health Educator. “They can happen behind closed doors or sometimes friends and families notice the signs. Try to be aware of the red flags for you or your loved ones who might be in an unhealthy relationship.”
Red flags include:
- Jealously and possessiveness
- Isolation and control
- Threats to end relationship if you don’t do as you’re told
- Emotional, verbal or physical abuse
- Anger or aggressive behavior, intimidation tactics
- Destruction of possessions
Everyone deserves a safe and healthy relationship. For help, please contact the Knoxville Family Justice Center 24/7 crisis line at 865-521-6336 or click here. For more information about the Violence Prevention Program, contact Amy Rowling at 865-215-5061.