It is a Success Strategy for Ending Domestic Violence

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), a time to unite all of us, from advocates to survivors to communities, in raising awareness; honoring those who have died, celebrating survivors, and connecting those working to end Domestic Violence (DV).

A Brief Timeline of DVAM

• 1981: The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) organized a “Day of Unity” in October to connect advocates across the country.
• 1987: The “Day of Unity” evolved into the first official Domestic Violence Awareness Month. That same year, the first national domestic violence toll-free hotline was launched.
• 1989: The U.S. Congress officially designated October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, commemorated annually ever since.

Throughout October, communities engage in activities such as:

• Mourning those lost to domestic violence.
• Celebrating survivors and empowering them to share their stories.
• Educating the public on the signs of abuse, physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, and economic.
• Promoting prevention and providing resources for victims and survivors.
• Wearing purple on Purple Thursday (the third Thursday in October) to show support.
• Plus many more!

Achieving Unity to End Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence is rooted in disconnection, frustration, and prejudice. These forces isolate individuals, fuel anger, and perpetuate harmful preconceptions. But through the Achieving Unity Success Factor (AUSF) framework, we can transform these forces into catalysts for healing and change.

From Chaos to Connection

Let us replace:

• Disconnection/Hate with Reflection/Encouraging
• Frustration/Anger with Responsibility/Inspiring
• Prejudgment/Prejudice with Relationship/Including others

This is how we Turn Chaos Into Connection, by building better businesses, better lives, and a better world™.

Unity in Action

Unity is not passive. It is bold, visionary, and transformative. It demands that we:

• Encourage survivors to speak and be heard.
• Inspire communities to take responsibility for creating safe spaces.
• Include diverse voices and experiences in the movement for change.

Let us move beyond awareness into shared purpose. Let us build a culture of strength, accountability, and Unity.

As we gather in meetings, services, and commUNITY events this October, let us not end with closing comments; let us end with closing encouragement:

“You are not alone. You are seen. You are valued. And together, we are stronger. We are Achieving Unity!”

Let us be bold and visionary, polished and professional, and provocative and uplifting. Let us be the change that ends domestic violence, not just for a month, but forever.

Please join us for our first Building Safe Futures 4-Week Domestic Violence (DV)/Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Prevention Program.

Our first Course is free and starts on Tuesday, September 9th, 9:00 am PT / 12:00 pm ET

Select here to register!