What is Domestic Violence Awareness Month?
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the importance of safety and support for those experiencing violence. While raising awareness is crucial, we also need to provide tools and resources that empower individuals to take control of their safety in moments of crisis. This year, let’s talk about a tool that can be a lifeline in a crisis: Smart911 profiles.
Smart911 is a free service that allows individuals to create a digital profile containing vital information, accessible by first responders in case of an emergency. For domestic violence victims, this simple tool can be a powerful shield of safety.
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How Can Smart911 Help?
Smart911 empowers individuals to be more prepared, feel safer and strengthen community support.
- Immediate Information: In a high-pressure situation, time is of the essence. When a survivor calls 911, their Smart911 profile instantly provides first responders with critical information, including address, medical information and key contact information.
- Silence is Empowering: Many survivors struggle to speak clearly during a 911 call, especially when the abuser is present. With a Smart911 profile, the survivor doesn’t need to speak. First responders can access the information instantly, increasing the chances of a successful response.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that vital information is readily available to first responders can bring a sense of security and peace of mind to survivors. It empowers them to take action, knowing they have a tool to aid them in their moment of need.
Taking Action This October
Motorola Solutions has created a comprehensive outreach kit to support Domestic Violence Awareness Month efforts:
- Partner with Local Media: Share information about Smart911 with your local media outlets to raise awareness and encourage residents to sign up.
- Educate at Community Events: Set up booths at local events to educate individuals about Smart911 and demonstrate its benefits.
- Harness the Power of Social Media: Use social media platforms to spread the word about Smart911 and highlight its importance in emergency situations, particularly for domestic violence victims.
While Smart911 profiles cannot erase the threat of violence, they can offer a crucial safety net for victims. Creating a profile takes minutes and can be done anonymously. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, let’s spread the word about this valuable resource and encourage all those experiencing domestic violence to utilize Smart911 as part of their safety plan.
To learn more and sign up for Smart911, visit smart911.com.
