PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Teri Stoddard, 925-681-9654

WASHINGTON / September 9, 2010 – October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and this year the theme is “Domestic Violence: Understand the Truth, Stop the Abuse.”

To help abuse victims, S.A.V.E. has recently established an Online Support Group for survivors of domestic violence. The Support Group is designed to assist persons in their journey from hurting to healing to helping. Available in a Yahoo group format, the group is open all to victims and survivors of domestic violence.

In addition, S.A.V.E. has published a series of 11 tip sheets designed to help persons who are recovering from an abusive relationship. The sheets include a self-assessment checklist, safety plan, restraining order tips, and more. One sheet highlights how false allegations of abuse rob true victims of needed services and protections.

For those persons who want to receive announcements and updates, S.A.V.E. has also established a Facebook page called SAVE for Victims and Survivors.

Finally, S.A.V.E. has developed “Seven Key Facts About Domestic Violence,” featuring accurate information that is designed to debunk the widespread myths of partner abuse:http://saveservices.org/pdf/Seven-Facts-Every-American-Should-Know-About-DV.pdf

“We’ve made good progress in curbing the epidemic of partner abuse, but our journey is far from over,” warns Dr. Claudia Cornell, S.A.V.E. director. “Stop Abusive and Violent Environments expects these new online resources will help all victims of partner abuse, whether they are female or male, young or old, married or single.”

All resources for victims and survivors on the S.A.V.E. website are available free of charge: http://www.saveservices.org/victims-and-survivors/

As we approach Domestic Violence Awareness Month, S.A.V.E. calls on all Americans to consider the devastating effects of partner violence on our families and children, and work to stop intimate partner aggression in our communities.