In 1989, October was first declared National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in an effort to promote awareness and prevention of domestic violence. Since then, October has been designated the month that we acknowledge domestic violence survivors and be a voice for its victims.
Unfortunately, domestic violence is prevalent in every community and affects all people regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality. Domestic violence can result in physical injury, psychological trauma, and even death. The devastating consequences of domestic violence can cross generations and last a lifetime.
Although there has been substantial progress in reducing domestic violence, an average of 20 people are physically abused by intimate partners every minute. This equates to more than 10 million abuse victims annually. 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been physically abused by an intimate partner, and 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men have been severely physically abused by an intimate partner (source).
Maxillofacial Injuries & Domestic Violence
Around 75% of physical assaults are to the head, neck, and mouth areas, which result in many dental injuries. Bruises and scars fade but broken and missing teeth cannot repair themselves. Unfortunately, repairs for these dental injuries can be quite expensive. The Crime Victims’ Compensation (CVC) Program in the state of Texas helps crime victims and their immediate families with the financial costs of domestic violence. Compensation may be available to cover victim dental costs if the treatment is necessary and crime related.
The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Charitable Foundation's (AACHCF) flagship program, Give Back a Smile (GBAS) heals some of the effects of domestic and sexual violence, by restoring the smiles of adults who have received dental injuries to the front teeth from a former intimate partner, family member, or due to sexual assault.
Since the program's 1999 inception, volunteer dentists, dental laboratories, and other dental professionals have volunteered their time and expertise to provide life-changing smile restorations across the United States for more than 2,000 people for a total dollar value of more than $18 million.
Nationwide support is vital to the Give Back a Smile program's success and can be a very gratifying experience.
If you or somebody you know is experiencing domestic violence, visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline website (where you can live chat to receive support), call 800-799-7233 (800-787-3224 for TTY), or text “START” to 88788 any time.
