Academic

Unity Day and A Deepening Financial Crisis

By Ann Bartow

Today is Unity Day, celebrated since 1981 it is the first Monday in October and was intended to provide an opportunity for connection among advocates supporting victims of domestic violence. October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month> (see the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence site for opportunities to support this nonprofit organization like donating your old cell phone).

Domestic violence continues to be a crime predominately against women (73%) and is most common against women from 20-25 years young (the age of our traditional law students). This is a crime that is dramatically under-reported and increases during times of crisis.

Ironically, October has also been a month that has included SIGNIFICANT drops in the stock market including today’s drop of 370 points (3.6%); Black Monday (October 19, 1987 when the global stock markets crashed including the DOW’s drop of 508 points or 22%; the Hong Kong market dropped 46% (1987)); as well as the beginning of the Stock Market Crash of 1929.

The stock market and financial markets have cyclical ups and downs. We will weather this storm like we have weathered prior stock market ups and downs. The increased stress, however, does result in increased domestic violence and we must do everything we can to support awareness, treatment and prevention of this hideous crime.

–Francine Lipman

Full post as published by Feminist Law Professors on October 06, 2008 (boomark / email).