(from the Honolulu Weekly October 1-7, 2008)

October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) both locally & nationally. Domestic violence is an ongoing problem throughout the country, and Hawai'i is no exception. The amount of domestic violence cases in Hawai'i stands at a decade high.

According to statistics provided by the Domestic Violence Action Center, the Honolulu Police Department, the Sex Abuse Treatment Center and the Hawai'i State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, there is one death per month due to domestic violence. Between one-third and 1/2 of police work is spent responding to domestic violence calls.

In the last 2 months alone, a specially trained & staffed unit of the Honolulu Police Department called the "Family Violence Detail" saw 260 new cases of domestic violence & Family Court related restraining order violations. There have been more than 140 arrests with more cases pending.

While the cases point toward assaults mainly on women, family violence is not exclusively a female issue. The violence affects men, families, children & the community. Hawai'i domestic violence service providers, DVAM committees & community organizations have put together events throughout the state that will provide awareness, education & information on safety & resources.

O'ahu Events

Clothesline & Silent Witness Displays at Schofield Barracks/Fort Shafter
Schofield Barracks/Fort Shafter
Wed 10/1 - 10/31, 655-4779

Navy's Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation Signing Ceremony
Moanalua Navy Services Center, 4827 Bougainville Dr, Mon, 10/6, 9am-10am, 474-1999 ext. 6102

Men's March Against Violence
Hawai'i State Capitol, Thu, 10/9, 12pm-1:15pm, 535-0159

O'ahu Domestic Violence Candlelight Vigil: Keeping the Candle Burning
McCoy Pavilion, Ala Moana Beach Park, Tue 10/28, 5pm Food, 6pm, Vigil, 832-9316 ext 103

For the full calender of events for the State of Hawai'i, please call the Hawai'i State Coalition Against Domestic Violence at 832-9316.