October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. We are encouraging everyone to “Speak Up”, in order to spark change. We must openly, honestly, and bravely acknowledge how domestic violence/intimate partner violence negatively affects our communities, our families (yes, even families in our church), and our lives. Domestic violence affects every community and impacts people of all ages, genders, races, religions, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic groups. Anyone can experience or perpetrate domestic violence.

We are calling the entire Allen Temple Family and surrounding community to action. Help raise awareness to end domestic violence/intimate partner violence. Take a stand. Be a voice. Show your support. Wear PURPLE. Send a strong message. Let’s see it and shout together, “Domestic Violence/Intimate Partner Violence will not be tolerated in our community, our church, or our families”.

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call 911 for police assistance. For local non-emergent support, contact the Alameda County Family Justice Center at (510) 267-8800, the FVLC 24hr. Mobile Response Team at (800) 947-8301, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233 (SAFE), or text LOVEIS to 22522. For a list of other local resources visit http://www.acfjc.org/GET_help

Many times, the first step to get help is the hardest. If you need assistance, we are here. Contact Bethsaida Counseling Services to assist with helping you access services at (510) 544-8945 or email us at bethsaida@allen-temple.org.

Information was provided by Ms. Ricka L. White-Soso, MSW, LCSW, BIP, CEAT with the assistance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2021 campaign information available from national and local domestic violence organizations.