October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) 

Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is observed each October. DVAM is a national campaign to raise awareness about domestic violence. This is an opportunity to uplift the needs, voices and experiences of survivors of domestic violence.

For DVAM 2024, the theme is Heal, Hold & Center. The Domestic Violence Awareness Project first launched this theme last year (2023) and is continuing it this year to further raise awareness. “This DVAM and beyond, we must work together, embrace the many cultural ways we can heal from violence and oppression, commit to holding space for survivors, and center those most marginalized in all of our efforts to end domestic violence” (Domestic Violence Awareness Project, 2024). 

No Survivor Justice Without Racial Justice 

This year, there is a special focus on navigating anti-Blackness and other systems of oppression. Therefore, the knowledge that there is no survivor justice without racial justice is at the center of this campaign. According to the Georgia Domestic Violence Fatality Review Project, “Victims from historically marginalized and underserved communities face additional barriers when trying to access safety, services and justice. Victims from marginalized communities–including people of color, immigrants and refugees, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) victims, people with disabilities…” often encounter additional barriers. According to Resilience, an advocate group for ending violence, some of those barriers may include stereotypes, erasure, discrimination, poverty, homelessness, police brutality, stigma, and accessibility (2022). 

Resources & Ways to Donate/Get Involved

• The National Domestic Abuse Hotline (800-799-7233)
  • This free, confidential, 24/7 hotline connects you with someone who can help you formulate a game plan. Advocates have access to services providers and shelters across the United States. 
• The North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence 
  • Their mission is to empower all North Carolina communities to build a society that prevents and eliminates domestic violence.
    • Join
    • Donate
• InterAct of Wake County
  • InterAct is a private, non-profit, United Way agency that provides safety, support, and awareness to victims and survivors of domestic violence and rape/sexual assault. InterAct fulfills this mission through the support of its volunteers and community.
    • Donate 
    • Volunteer
• The North Carolina Victim Assistance Network 
  • The North Carolina Victim Assistance Network is a non-profit organization founded in 1986 to promote the rights and needs of crime victims by educating North Carolina’s citizens and public policy leaders about the devastating impact that crime has on our society.
    • Donate

There are more Wake County resources for those affected by domestic violence. 

Events in the Triangle 

• The Women’s Center at NC State is hosting Purple Day on October 9, 2024 from 4:00pm-7:00pm at Stafford Commons. This event includes a resource fair, a passive Silent Witness Exhibit with live models, a survivor story and a call to action led by the Movement Peer Educators. 
• The Silent Witness Project is hosted by NC State at the Talley Student Union on October 12, 2024. This project is a memorial to victims of domestic violence and dating violence. Each witness carries a plaque with the story of an individual who was murdered as a result of domestic and dating violence. 
• The 2024 Annual Women Veterans Support Services (WVSS) is holding a Domestic Violence Awareness Luncheon on Tuesday, October 1 in Raleigh.
• Harmony For Healing Music Festival: A Benefit Concert for DV Survivors. This event on Saturday, October 10 is in Durham Central Park.
• The 50 Mile Warrior Run is happening in Hendersonville on Saturday, October 12. This race spreads awareness for domestic violence and sexual assault.
• The Domestic Violence Awareness Panel Event is on October 26 from 10:00am-1:00pm in Burlington. This event, which is open to ages 16+ is meant to create awareness, provide resources and encourage healthy conversations surrounding domestic violence and its impact.
• The Unbound Conference: Breaking Free from Domestic Violence in Durham. This two-day event held on October 26-27 is dedicated to raising awareness and showing that survivors can overcome.

According to Healthline, approximately 10 million people in the United States alone are affected by domestic violence. DVAM is an important time to acknowledge the continued prevalence of domestic violence in our communities, states, and country. In addition, it offers everyone an opportunity to spread awareness about domestic violence, empower survivors, and share resources. If you are unable to make a donation or volunteer, spreading resources and awareness is invaluable to helping fight domestic violence. 

Follow our Center’s social media (@cfacencstate) for more information and resources throughout DVAM. In addition, you can follow the Domestic Violence Awareness Project’s hashtags: #HealHoldCenter, #NoSurvivorJusticeWithoutRacialJustice, #DVAM2024, and #CallforUnity. You can share, repost, engage with, and like DVAM content to spread the word.