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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and this month activists and organizations are inviting you to acknowledge the resources that exist in case you find yourself in an abusive or dangerous situation in your home.

“This month is like a megaphone, a louder voice that really helps people know what’s going on next to them,” said Lisa Alexander, executive director of Stand Up Survivor and a survivor of domestic violence. 

According to an article published by Lifewire, immigrants often encounter many barriers when reporting and most of the time it is due to the lack of knowledge about the laws and rights that exist to protect themselves, or because of their immigration status.

In Orlando and Central Florida different official entities can help you learn how to deal with your case: 

• Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-500-1119 / TTY Hotline: 1-800-621-4202
• National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
• Florida Department of Children and Families, Domestic Violence Program

At the same time, there are other local organizations in Orlando such as Stand Up Survivor that work to raise awareness about domestic violence and teach what abuse can look like in a home.

Alexander, executive director of Stand Up Survivor, explained some of the resources they have for survivors such as counseling, assistance, and support during the process. In addition, she relates how domestic violence can be seen at the beginning with actions such as controlling the way you dress, isolating you from your family and friends, accusing you of infidelity, or checking your phone. 

“Oftentimes people think domestic violence is just physical, but there is emotional, there is psychological, there is financial abuse and spiritual abuse,” Alexander said that 99% of the fear of leaving a domestic violence situation is because of the financial part.

According to a study used by Esperanza United, approximately one in three Latinas have experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetime and this rate is about the same as women of other racial/ethnic groups. Stand Up Survivor has a program “Levántate Sobreviviente” which is dedicated to Spanish-speaking people who are affected and who are often immigrants.

Alexander invites the community to volunteer at different agencies, help someone in need or learn about this issue during this month to raise awareness and raise their voice.