Verizon at Home

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Think of the many women and children you walked by, perhaps even spoke to today. Try to remember their faces. Some of them might be victims of a silent epidemic.

October is known for being Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  It’s also Cyber Security Awareness Month (and we are offering security tips all this month so follow @Verizon on Twitter).  But did you know it’s also Domestic Violence Awareness Month? 

The issue of domestic violence is not widely discussed, but here are some startling statistics that will make you realize why it’s called the silent epidemic. 

-One in four women will be a victim of domestic violence. 

-One in nine men will be a victim of domestic violence. 

-One in three teens will be a victim of domestic violence. 

-According to some studies, less that 1 percent of domestic violence cases are reported to the police.

Studies suggest that between 3.3 million and 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence each year.  And according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, witnessing violence between parents or caregivers is the strongest risk factor for transmitting violent behavior from one generation to the next. 

The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic institution for Verizon, uses its technology, financial resources and partnerships to address critical social issues, with a focus on education and domestic violence prevention.

To bring into the light domestic violence in the home where there are children and its devastating affects on them, the Verizon Foundation funded a short video called “Monsters in the Closet.”  This video is supported by National Domestic Violence Hotline.  This short animation urges the viewer – YOU --  to do something… perhaps make a call to help someone that may need help: 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233) or Verizon Wireless customers can quickly reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline by dialing #HOPE. 

While this video only portrays one form of domestic violence, it is the most prevalent form.  Women account for 85 percent of victims of intimate partner violence.  Domestic violence is widespread across the entire spectrum of society at all educational and socioeconomic levels.

Will you join Verizon and our many partners to help stop domestic violence?  Feel free to share this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=367JvtoTm34.  To see some of the other domestic violence awareness programs Verizon is involved with click here.