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October marks National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and it is a time to come together to raise awareness and end domestic violence. This month started in 1981 when the first Domestic Violence Awareness Day was held, with the goal of raising awareness for victims and survivors of domestic violence. Since then, it has grown into an entire month dedicated to bringing attention to this important issue. With education and support from friends, family, and organizations, we can make a real difference in ending domestic violence. Let's make a commitment to ourselves and each other that we will work together towards ending domestic violence.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1981</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First DV Day Held</div><div class='timeline-text'>The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence creates a Day of Unity to observe domestic violence issue.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1987</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>DV Awareness Month Created</div><div class='timeline-text'>October is first observed as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1989</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Congress Passes Public Law</div><div class='timeline-text'>The U.S Congress passes Public Law 101-112, designating October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1994</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Violence Against Women Act</div><div class='timeline-text'>The landmark Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is signed into law by President Bill Clinton, providing crucial resources for victims.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>The National Domestic Violence Hotline</div><div class='timeline-text'>The National Domestic Violence Hotline, an around-the-clock confidential support service for victims and survivors, handles its millionth call.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2013</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>VAWA Reauthorization</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Violence Against Women Act is reauthorized, expanding protections to Native American women and LGBTQ+ victims.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a community event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Attending a community event is a great way to show your support for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Look for events in your area, such as marches, rallies, and candlelight vigils.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Volunteer at a local domestic violence shelter or organization that supports victims of domestic abuse. You can help provide emotional support and practical assistance to those in need.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Donate to a domestic violence organization or shelter. Your donation can help provide critical resources, such as legal services, counseling, and housing assistance.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate yourself</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to educate yourself on the issue of domestic violence. Read books, watch documentaries, and talk to survivors about their experiences.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Spread the word</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Share information about domestic violence with your friends and family. Encourage them to donate or volunteer with local organizations.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness of the issue</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a time to draw attention to this serious issue and promote education, support, and resources for both victims and perpetrators. It helps to spread the message that abuse is not acceptable, and encourages anyone in an abusive situation to seek help.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It destigmatizes victims</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Domestic violence is still stigmatized, but National Domestic Violence Awareness Month helps to change that by raising visibility. By highlighting the stories of victims who have escaped abusive situations, it helps to empower others who are in similar positions and break down any stigma or feelings of shame around being a victim of domestic violence.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes prevention strategies</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Awareness is the first step in preventing domestic violence from happening in the first place. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, many organizations strive to educate people about the warning signs of domestic abuse as well as offering resources for those looking for help or ways to get involved with preventing domestic violence.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Domestic Violence Affects Everyone, Regardless of Societal Status</h3><p class='facts-content'>Domestic violence is not limited to any specific demographic. It can impact individuals of all genders, ages, ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses, and education levels. This widespread issue necessitates global action.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Children are Often Affected by Domestic Violence</h3><p class='facts-content'>Children who witness domestic violence can experience a range of emotional, psychological, and developmental issues, from anxiety and depression to social issues and aggression problems.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Many Victims Try to Hide the Abuse</h3><p class='facts-content'>Out of fear of retaliation, embarrassment, or a lack of trust in the system, many victims keep the abuse they suffered a secret, which further emphasizes the importance of awareness.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Economic Abuse Often Co-Occurs with Physical Violence</h3><p class='facts-content'>Economic abuse occurs when the abuser controls the victim's access to economic resources, making it harder for the victim to escape the situation. This often accompanies other forms of violence.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Domestic Violence Has Long-Term Health Implications</h3><p class='facts-content'>Apart from immediate injuries, domestic violence can result in chronic health problems, including mental health disorders, substance abuse, and even chronic physical illnesses like heart disease and cancer.</p></div></div>
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month is celebrated on October 1 every year. In 2024 it will be observed on a Tuesday.
2023
Oct 1
Sunday
2024
Oct 1
Tuesday
2025
Oct 1
Wednesday
2026
Oct 1
Thursday
2027
Oct 1
Friday
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