It’s October, which means it’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month! The entire month evolved from a single Day of Unity first observed in 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Today, whether you’re an advocate, a health care provider, an educator, a business leader, part of a faith-based group, a college student, a lawyer or a policy maker, you can observe the entire month and spread awareness about dating abuse, sexual assault and domestic violence in your school and community:
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Health Cares About Domestic Violence Day (HCADV Day) takes place this year on Wednesday, October 10. Sponsored by Futures Without Violence, HCADV Day reaches members of the health care community to educate them about domestic violence and its long term health implications.
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Watch videos the new NO MORE Excuses PSA Campaign that includes 40 celebrities, athletes and personalities standing up to say “NO MORE” to excuses, silence and violence.
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Wear purple on Thursday, October 25 to honor victims and support domestic violence survivors. Launched by the DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence and now nationally recognized, this is the seventh annual observance of Purple Thursday.
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From October 28-30, see the Clothesline Project on the National Mall in Washington DC, where survivors will tell their stories of abuse and empowerment through art on t-shirts that are displayed on a clotheslines held by victim advocates and volunteers.
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Submit a name to the “Remember My Name” project from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, which began in 1994 in conjunction with Ms. Magazine to create a national registry of all those who died from domestic violence.
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Distribute resources, promotional materials and informational packets from Break the Cycle and other national organizations.
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Attend Break the Cycle’s 5th Annual Unmasquerade event on Wednesday, October 23 from 8pm-12am at The Historic Avalon Hollywood for a night of cocktails, costumes and dancing to celebrate healthy relationships. Tickets are available online and at the door.
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Sign up for our Start Talking toolkit to begin having the discussion about healthy relationships.
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Share your thoughts with us on our Facebook page or tweet at us to tell us and others how you’re celebrating respectful, healthy relationships.
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Make a donation to Break the Cycle in honor of those you know who have been affected by domestic violence.
This year, help end domestic violence by giving it a voice. How will you spread awareness about the dangers of dating abuse this month?