Since 1989, October has been recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, bringing attention to an issue affecting millions of people across the United States.
Domestic violence is a widespread issue, with an estimated 12 million people experiencing intimate partner violence each year.
Domestic violence is an umbrella term describing abuse or violence within domestic relationships, including those involving romantic partners and family members. Intimate partner violence, or IPV, specifically refers to abuse involving a current or former romantic partner.
Domestic violence and IPV can take many forms, including physical, emotional and sexual abuse, coercive control and stalking.
Although domestic violence is often associated with women, men can also experience abuse. According to statistics cited by the National Domestic Violence Hotline, approximately 1 in 10 men and 3 in 10 women have experienced rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner and reported at least one related impact.
Domestic violence and sexual assault are also concerns on college and university campuses, particularly during a period commonly referred to as the “red zone.”
The red zone generally refers to the beginning of the fall semester, typically August through November, when students, particularly those new to campus, may face an increased risk of sexual assault.
Although these issues can be difficult to discuss, understanding campus safety resources and reporting options can help students make informed decisions.
The Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, commonly known as the Clery Act, requires colleges and universities receiving federal financial assistance to publish annual security reports containing campus crime statistics and information about safety policies and procedures.
ETSU’s 2026 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available to the public online.
Students who have experienced domestic violence or sexual assault have several options for seeking assistance.
Incidents can be reported to ETSU’s Title IX coordinator through the university’s Title IX reporting website at https://www.etsu.edu/titleix/report.php. Students should review the reporting options to understand how their information will be handled and whether a report can be submitted anonymously.
Students seeking confidential support can also contact the ETSU Counseling Center, located on the third floor of the D.P. Culp Student Center.
Additional resources are available throughout the community.
The Johnson City/Washington County Family Justice Center provides services and assistance to people experiencing domestic violence. https://www.johnsoncitytn.org/services/police/family_justice_center.php
Frontier Health’s Safe House program also offers support and services for survivors of domestic violence and their dependent children. https://www.frontierhealth.org/directory/frontier-health-safe-house/
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 800-799-SAFE (7233). Individuals can also text START to 88788 for assistance.
For anyone experiencing domestic violence, support is available. Whether someone is ready to report an incident, seek counseling or simply learn about available resources, there are people and organizations prepared to help.
