Rita S. Smith graduated from Polk State College in 1974 with an AA degree in Psychology. She received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Michigan State in 1976. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, a position she has held since 1993. Domestic Abuse Awareness Month started on the first day of October in 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. It was originally intended to help assaulted women and their children.
However, it wasn't until October 1987 that the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was respected.
One in four women, or 25 percent, has experienced some sort of domestic abuse in their lifetime. Every year, three million women are physically abused by their husband or boyfriend, and women aged 20-24 are at the greatest risk of experiencing non-fatal intimate partner violence.
When women are victims of domestic abuse, the most common challenge is getting out of those violent situations. Recovering from these situations can take years, if not the rest of a woman's life. Many women believe to be trapped, and don't even know where to begin looking for help.
In the beginning of the year, President Obama signed the re-authorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which expanded the protection and services offered to victims of domestic abuse.
Media Director of the National Coalition Against Domestic Abuse, Rita Smith, shares organizations that are available for women who have become victims of domestic abuse, as well as what the new law entails.
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Domestic Abuse: How to Get Away
Guest
: Rita Smith
From the Show: Staying Well
Summary: One in four women have experienced some sort of domestic abuse in their lifetime. What is being done to lower that number?
Air Date: 10/14/13
Duration: 10
Host: Melanie Cole, MS
