In a recent meeting, representatives from the PD Coalition, a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating domestic and sexual violence, highlighted the urgent need for awareness and support during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The coalition aims to reduce incidents of domestic violence, family violence, and child abuse while providing essential services to victims.

Key statistics shared during the meeting underscored the severity of the issue: one in four women and one in seven men experience severe physical violence, with 20 individuals abused by an intimate partner every minute, totaling over 10 million victims annually. Alarmingly, the presence of firearms in homes with domestic violence issues increases the risk of murder by 500%.

The coalition offers a range of services, including a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelters for victims, and transitional housing for up to a year. They also provide trauma counseling, hospital advocacy, and specialized services for children affected by domestic violence. A significant component of their approach involves offender accountability through programs like the 26-week offender intervention program, which is court-referred and partially funded for qualifying individuals.

Additionally, the coalition runs a \"Caring Dads\" program, a 17-week initiative aimed at helping fathers take responsibility for their abusive behaviors and fostering healthier relationships with their children. They also offer a six-week couples counseling program, free of charge, to address relationship issues stemming from violence.

The coalition's commitment to eradicating violence and supporting victims was emphasized, with representatives calling for community involvement and awareness to combat this pervasive issue.