Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Every Action Matters
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month—a time to come together, raise awareness, support survivors, and take meaningful steps toward creating safer families and safer communities.
Domestic violence affects people in every community, and the need for support is real. In the past year alone, Someplace Safe served 1,670 survivors of domestic violence. Behind that number are individuals and families who reached out for support, safety, resources, and hope.
How Can You Get Involved?
There are many ways to participate in Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and you don’t have to do something big to make a difference. Whether you have a few minutes, want to attend a local event, or are looking for a way to support Someplace Safe throughout the month, every action matters.
💜 Learn More About Domestic Violence
One of the best ways to get involved is to learn. Domestic violence doesn’t always look the way we might expect. Abuse can include physical violence, but it can also involve emotional abuse, threats, intimidation, isolation, sexual abuse, financial control, and other behaviors used to maintain power and control. Learning about domestic violence can help us recognize concerning behaviors, better understand the experiences of survivors, and respond with greater compassion.
💜 Start a Conversation
Talking about domestic violence can feel uncomfortable, but conversations can help break down stigma and isolation. Talk with your family, friends, coworkers, faith community, or other groups about healthy relationships, respect, boundaries, and what it means to support someone experiencing abuse. You don’t need to have all the answers. Sometimes simply letting someone know “I’m here for you” can make a difference.
💜 Support Survivors
If someone you know shares that they are experiencing abuse, listen without judgment. Believe them, respect their choices, and let them know they don’t have to face the situation alone. Consider asking, “How can I support you?”
💜 Share Resources
You never know who in your circle may need help. Sharing information about Someplace Safe’s services, local resources, or Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities can help connect someone with support when they need it.
Someplace Safe provides free and confidential services to victims and survivors, including crisis intervention, safety planning, emergency housing, legal advocacy, and other individualized support.
💜 Attend a Local Event
October is also a great time to connect with others in your community. Someplace Safe hosts a variety of Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities throughout our service area. Look for information about local activities throughout October and find an opportunity that works for you. Bring a friend, invite a coworker, or encourage your organization to participate or volunteer. Information about upcoming awareness events and fundraisers can be found at: someplacesafe.info/events/
💜 Wear Purple on October 15th
Wearing purple is one simple way to show your support during Domestic Violence Awareness Month – especially on the annual Day of Purple! Whether you wear purple to work, school, a community event, or simply while going about your day, it can be a conversation starter and a visible reminder that our communities stand with survivors. Consider snapping a photo for social media and sharing why you’re wearing purple on October 15th to help spread awareness on #dayofpurple.
Someplace Safe has free Day of Purple posters and stickers available, which may be requested by contacting your local Someplace Safe office or by emailing ashley.z@someplacesafe.info. Visit someplacesafe.info/day-of-purple to learn more.
💜 Support the Work
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is also an opportunity to support the organizations and advocates working throughout the year to help survivors. Consider donating, volunteering, organizing a supply drive or finding another way to support Someplace Safe throughout the year. Community support helps make it possible for advocates to be there when someone reaches out for help. Visit someplacesafe.info/get-involved/ for ideas on ways to get more involved.
Together, We Can Make a Difference
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an opportunity to pause, learn, and think about how we can contribute to safer communities—not just in October, but throughout the entire year. Every conversation matters. Every community member matters. Every action matters.
Someplace Safe advocates are available to provide support, resources, and a listening ear to those experiencing domestic violence and other crimes. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact Someplace Safe.
