NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — October is National Domestic Awareness Month and in Newport News, police officers are asking for your help in rounding up necessary items for survivors.
"It's like a silent secret that everyone knows about," said Lisa Devane, family services liaison with the Special Victims Unit at the Newport News Police Department. "People know others are getting abused in their homes, but they don't want to say anything about it."
The NNPD Domestic Violence Team is sponsoring a city-wide donation drive to help the survivors of domestic violence. This includes collecting items such as blankets, towels, baby diapers, and more to help families who are potentially leaving violent situations.
According to the latest statistics, Newport News has approximately 25% of aggravated assaults this year are domestic related. That is up from 18% from 2023.
Two people have also died in two domestic-related homicides so far this year. Devane said it's a troubling reality for so many people living in Hampton Roads.
"Just recently, I came into contact with a mom whose 12-year old son had to help her and pull the father off of the mother after he was assaulting her and dragging her through the house," said Devane. "That, for any child, is extremely traumatizing."
Citizens are encouraged to donate items on the approved list from the attached graphic, and bring them to any Newport News Police precinct. The items can be dropped off in the purple boxes left near the entrances.
