Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October 2021

Learn more every week in October as we increase awareness about domestic violence.

This week (October 23-31), learn about the Rose Andom Center and more about domestic violence and teen dating.

Thank you for helping increase awareness about domestic violence. Together we are stronger.

Week 1 October 1-8 Traumatic Brain Injury

Week 2 October 11-15 Andrea's Story

Week 3 October 16-22 Male Survivors

Week 4 October 23-31 Teen Dating Violence

History and Origins of Domestic Violence Awareness Month

“Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) evolved from the 'Day of Unity' in October 1981 observed by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The intent was to connect advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children. The Day of Unity soon became an entire week devoted to a range of activities conducted at the local, state, and national levels. The activities conducted were as varied and diverse as the program sponsors but had common themes: mourning those who have died because of domestic violence, celebrating those who have survived, and connecting those who work to end violence.”

-- From “Domestic Violence Awareness Month History” by the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, who adapted it from NCADV’s 1996 Domestic Violence Awareness Month Resource Manual

About Domestic Violence

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, threats, economic, and emotional/psychological abuse. The frequency and severity of domestic violence vary dramatically.

The Iceberg of Domestic Violence

One of the most dangerous and insidious truths about domestic violence is it's easy to ignore if it's not visible. Like an iceberg, there's a lot more than what is visible above the surface, and that's true for individuals, communities, and cultures. In the image, outward acts that society doesn't accept have been listed above the water, where survivors are supported and the offenders are held accountable.

WHY don't we do the same with acts found below the water's surface?