A Time to Raise Awareness and Stand with Survivors

October is a month of change, as summer fades and autumn begins to take hold. But for millions of people worldwide, October represents something even more significant—it’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). Established to bring attention to the serious and widespread issue of domestic violence, DVAM is an opportunity to raise awareness, support survivors, and take action to prevent violence in all its forms.

In this blog, we’ll explore the purpose of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the key ways we can all help raise awareness, and how Maison Femme’s “Break the Silence, Stop the Violence” campaign is taking part in this vital movement.

The Purpose of Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic Violence Awareness Month was first observed in 1987 and has since grown into a global movement. The month is dedicated to:

Raising Awareness: Educating the public about the realities of domestic violence, its forms, and its impact on individuals, families, and communities.
Supporting Survivors: Offering resources, platforms, and safe spaces for survivors to share their stories, heal, and rebuild their lives.
Challenging Stigma: Breaking down the barriers and stigma that prevent victims from speaking up or seeking help.
Encouraging Prevention: Promoting education, early intervention, and community involvement to stop violence before it starts.

Domestic violence can take many forms, including physical, emotional, psychological, financial, and sexual abuse. It affects people of all genders, ages, and backgrounds, making this an issue that touches all communities.

How You Can Help Spread Awareness

Raising awareness during Domestic Violence Awareness Month is critical to driving change, but it doesn’t stop with education. Each of us can contribute to spreading awareness and supporting survivors in meaningful ways. Here are some impactful steps you can take:

1. Wear and Display Purple

The official color for Domestic Violence Awareness Month is purple, symbolizing courage, survival, honor, and dedication to ending domestic violence. Wear purple throughout October to show your support and solidarity with survivors.

Wear a Purple Ribbon: This small but powerful symbol shows survivors that they are not alone.
Display Purple Ribbons: Add ribbons to your office, home, or car to raise awareness in your community.
Purple-Themed Social Media Posts: Share photos of your purple outfits, ribbons, or purple-lit buildings using the hashtag #BreakTheSilence #Stoptheviolence #maisonfemmeorg to amplify the message.

2. Share Domestic Violence Facts and Resources

Use your platform, whether it’s social media, community groups, or workplace networks, to share critical information about domestic violence. Facts and statistics can be eye-opening and help others recognize the severity of the issue.

Share Survivor Stories: Survivors' voices are powerful tools in raising awareness. By sharing their stories (with permission), we can humanize the issue and offer hope to others.
Post Hotline Numbers and Resources: Include the numbers for domestic violence helplines, like [insert relevant hotline number], or links to organizations like Maison Femme that offer support.

3. Engage in Online Campaigns

Take part in social media challenges and campaigns that spread awareness. Maison Femme’s “Break the Silence, Stop the Violence” campaign invites supporters to share a picture wearing a purple ribbon or participate in virtual discussions about domestic violence prevention.

Tag @MaisonFemmeOrg and use hashtags like #BreakTheSilence, #StopTheViolence, and #DVAM2024 to connect with others and create a wave of awareness.

4. Organize or Attend Awareness Events

Community events during Domestic Violence Awareness Month can be powerful ways to educate and inspire action. Whether virtual or in-person, consider organizing an event or attending local talks, workshops, or fundraisers.

Host a Fundraiser: Fundraisers can raise crucial resources for shelters, counseling services, and advocacy programs.
Volunteer: Offer your time to domestic violence shelters, helplines, or advocacy groups that need extra support.

5. Donate to Domestic Violence Organizations

Financial support is a lifeline for many organizations working on the frontlines of domestic violence prevention and survivor support. Donations can go toward providing safe shelter, legal aid, mental health services, and educational programs.

Donate to Maison Femme https://crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation?ApiKey=pub_09da4a3a-4e83-11ef-9e7a-0abe7fff0dfd&WidgetId=373760

6. Speak Up Against Violence

Sometimes the most powerful tool we have is our voice. If you see or suspect domestic violence in your community, speaking up can save lives. Domestic violence thrives in silence, and breaking that silence can make a world of difference.

Encourage Conversations: Talk about domestic violence openly with friends, family, and colleagues. Let others know that support is available and that it’s okay to reach out.
Support Friends and Family in Need: If someone confides in you about their experience with domestic violence, offer support without judgment and connect them with resources.

Maison Femme’s Role in Domestic Violence Awareness Month

At Maison Femme, we are committed to empowering survivors and raising awareness about domestic violence. Our “Break the Silence, Stop the Violence” campaign is designed to engage our community in meaningful ways throughout October.

Social Media Campaign: Join us online by sharing posts, wearing purple, and raising awareness using our campaign hashtags.
Purple Ribbon Initiative: You’ll see purple ribbons around Tacoma all month long—take a picture and share it with us.
Fundraising Event: We are hosting a special ticketed wine event to raise funds for our ongoing programs supporting survivors of domestic violence.

Together, we can amplify our efforts and make Domestic Violence Awareness Month a time for real change and action.

Raising Awareness Is Just the Beginning

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a vital time for education, action, and support. Whether you wear a purple ribbon, share resources, attend events, or donate to support survivors, every action counts. By coming together, we can raise our voices to break the silence and stop the violence.

Join us this October to stand up for survivors, spread awareness, and create a safer, more compassionate world. #Breakthesilence #Stoptheviolence #MaisonFemmeOrg

Spotlight on Domestic Violence Awareness Month: October