In 1989, October became the National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (NDVAM). As we go into October of 2024, 35 years after the first NDVAM, it is important to note the complex history domestic violence has and how we have gotten to where we are today in advocacy and breaking the cycle of violence.
The history of domestic violence varies significantly across different cultures and historical periods. Over time, the evolution of societal attitudes and legal support toward domestic violence reflects the changing understandings of gender roles, power dynamics, and human rights.
Going back to the Middle Ages, domestic violence was normalized and justified as it was seen as part of the patriarchal structure. Laws and social norms permitted husbands significant authority over their wives, including physical discipline, or what is now identified as physical abuse. The idea that a husband could correct his wife’s behavior through physical means was entrenched in legal and religious doctrine. The Rule of Thumb was one of these laws that the Church sanctioned, that stated men may use a rod or stick to physically abuse their wives if it was no wider than the size of their thumb. These laws and allowances justified the physical harm that was inflicted on the women of the time but has left a mark on societal norms that we still see today.
The mid-20th century marked a significant shift in how domestic violence was perceived and addressed. The rise of the Women’s Suffrage Movement and other social justice movements such as the Civil Rights Movement, Labor Movement, Chicano Movement all brought reform efforts to challenge the norms of domestic violence. Advocacy organizations brought increased attention to domestic violence, leading to a more robust legal system and support such as creating the first domestic violence shelter in 1964 in Pasadena, CA.
The 1970’s and 1980’s were marked as turning points with the establishment of more shelters, hotlines, and legal protections for survivors. During this time in 1976, Women’s Transitional Living Center opened in Fullerton and is now what we know as Radiant Futures today. By 1983, over 700 domestic violence shelter had been opened and operating in United States.
As time has progressed, survivors have gained more support and rights as established in 1994 with the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) which makes domestic violence a federal offense. VAWA allows women to seek civil rights remedies for gender-based violence such as domestic violence. VAWA provides funds and services for the survivors of domestic violence and provides training to increase police and court official’s sensitivity to these individuals. VAWA is continually reauthorized by the government to break down barriers communities are facing regarding domestic violence and other gender-based violence.