LEXINGTON, Ky.— The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky commemorates and emphasizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) this October, by reaffirming its unwavering commitment to supporting survivors, raising awareness, and promoting justice for those affected by domestic violence. DVAM serves as a crucial opportunity to shed light on the profound impacts of domestic violence and emphasize the importance of collective action.  Each year, millions of individuals are impacted by intimate partner violence, and far too many families endure the tragic consequences of domestic abuse.  The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that survivors are heard, perpetrators are held accountable, and to strengthening partnerships with communities to prevent domestic violence. This year’s commemoration of DVAM is special because it also marks the 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act.  In 1994, the passage of this landmark, bipartisan legislation transformed the way our nation addresses domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, by increasing protections for survivors, providing critical federal resources to support a coordinated community response to these crimes, and awarding grants at the local, state, territory, Tribal, and national levels. “Domestic violence accumulates a massive toll, not only on its victims, but also on the friends, families, and communities that surround them,” said Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky.  “Home is where people go to feel safe and secure, not where fear, abuse, and violence should engulf their lives.  We remain committed to doing our part to combat this destructive threat, to making our communities safer, and to holding people responsible for these shameful acts of violence and abuse.” Domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking can have long-lasting impacts and consequences, and survivors in underserved communities are disproportionately impacted due to the lack of resources or barriers to accessing services.  DVAM provides an opportunity to spread awareness about domestic violence and encourage everyone to play a role in ending gender-based violence. We also encourage everyone to learn more about domestic violence and take steps to support friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors who may be affected.  By understanding the signs of abuse, providing a safe space for survivors, and connecting them to available resources, we can all play a role in creating safer communities. Victims of domestic violence deserve safety, dignity, and justice.  We are committed to prosecuting those who violate federal laws, collaborating with local law enforcement and prosecutors to identify domestic violence offenders who violate federal firearms prohibitions, and ensuring survivors have access to the resources they need for safety and healing.  Together, we can bring hope to those in need and build a future free from domestic violence.  For more information on Domestic Violence Awareness Month or to access to local resources, please visit https://www.sos.ky.gov/safe-at-home/Pages/Survivor-Resources.aspx — END — The post U.S. Attorney Office for Eastern District of Kentucky Observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month appeared first on The Lexington Times.