"On average, 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States — more than 12 million women and men over the course of a year." (1)
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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. As part of a national effort to help raise awareness about domestic abuse, UWFK is highlighting the work of our partner agency, the Domestic Abuse Shelter (DAS).
DAS's mission is to, "is to reduce the incidence and minimize the impact of domestic and sexual abuse in Monroe County by directing victims to appropriate, effective programs and services." The organization provides a shelter, counseling, advocacy, a 24-hour hotline, case management, and information and referral. DAS has offices in Key West, Big Pine, Marathon, Tavernier, and Key Largo, providing service access to survivors of domestic abuse all throughout the 120 mile stretch of the Keys.
DAS also administers Sexual Assault Response Assistance (SARA), which provides support and advocacy for survivors as they travel through medical and legal systems after an assault. SARA services are crucial as an average of 293,066 men and women (age 12 or older) experience rape and sexual assault each year (2).
In addition to these services, DAS also provides information and education to the local community. Training topics in the past have included anger management, conflict resolution, crisis intervention, and gender roles and stereotypes.
With the guidance of trained advocates, group counselors, and dedicated staff members, women seeking help through DAS are able to break the cycle of violence. UWFK is proud to support their work.
If you or someone you know is need of DAS services, trained advocates are available 24/7 at 305-743-4440.
DAS contact information:
Hotline: 305-743-4440
Administrative Offices: 305-743-5452
National Resources:
Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224
Additional Information:
Sources:
