How to get involved with Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Photos courtesy of RedRover.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), which serves as an opportunity to show support for domestic violence survivors and for advocates and others to unite in their work to end domestic abuse. But what are its origins?

The history of DVAM

In October 1981, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (now merged with the National Domestic Violence Hotline) declared a national Day of Unity on October 17 to raise awareness about domestic violence and support survivors, adopting purple as the movement’s official color. That day would expand into a week before the first DVAM was observed in October 1987. Two years later, Congress officially designated October as DVAM (Public Law 101-112).¹

Purple Thursday, which was established shortly later, is observed on the third Thursday of October. It is a day when you can show your support for domestic violence survivors by wearing purple clothing. On this day, social media is often filled with posts of supporters donning purple shirts, socks, ties, hats, scarves, nail polish, and more.

For veterinary industry professionals, recognizing the link between domestic violence and animal abuse is crucial, and October is the perfect time to show your support for individuals in your communities.

DVAM today

The mission of RedRover and Purina’s Purple Leash Project is to help more domestic violence shelters build pet-friendly spaces through Purple Leash Project grants so that survivors and their pets can escape abuse together. Leading up to DVAM, RedRover and Purina participate in Pet Night on Capitol Hill, a night in September to celebrate pets’ vital role in clients’ lives and the human-animal bond. On September 11, the event brought together members of Congress and their staff with leaders in the pet community to discuss pet-friendly programs and policies.

The Purple Leash Project uses a variety of media and voices to call attention to the lack of pet-friendly domestic violence shelters each October, with special events and a range of brand activations.

Earlier this year, Purina commissioned and unveiled a new statue, Courageous Together, created by artist Kristen Visbal, best known for her Fearless Girl statue across the street from the New York Stock Exchange Building. The sculpture depicts a woman holding a duffle bag on her shoulder and her dog linked together by a purple leash and represents the bond between domestic violence survivors and beloved pets and the brave action of taking the first step toward healing. The statue will appear at Variety’s Power of Women event in Los Angeles on October 24, 2024, and will continue touring the nation through 2025.

Numerous activities take place each October to help raise awareness of domestic violence survivors, including the following:

• DVAM virtual and in-person walks and runs
• Candlelit vigils
• Fundraising galas
• Purple Thursday
• Sidewalk chalk events
• Walk a Mile in Her Shoes: The International Men’s March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault & Gender Violence
• The Clothesline Project events: This survivor project features a clothesline on which survivors hang a shirt they have decorated or one by someone who has helped a survivor.

Photos courtesy of RedRover.

You can help support and promote DVAM in October and beyond in many ways, including the following:

• Add a purple ribbon to your professional and social media pages.
• Wear a purple ribbon during office hours.
• Wear purple on Purple Thursday.
• Organize a clothing, food, or pet supplies drive for a local domestic violence shelter.
• Visit 25by2025.org and join the pet-friendly movement.
• Hold a moment of silence for survivors inside the office with colleagues or outside the office with friends and family
• Like and share social media posts about DVAM and a web link.² Consider following these organizations on social media:
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE)
  • DomesticShelters.org: Includes a comprehensive database for domestic violence shelters with pet-friendly programs
• Look for a local DVAM event to support.
• Reach out to your local domestic violence organizations to see how you can learn more.

These are just a few ideas on how you can show your support for survivors and pets during DVAM. We encourage you to connect with your domestic violence shelters to learn more ways to support them this month and beyond.

References

1. The History of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Connections for Abused Women and their Children. October 5, 2023. Accessed September 12, 2024. https://www.cawc.org/news/the-history-of-domestic-violence-awareness-month/
2. What is the Link. National Link Coalition. Accessed September 16, 2024. https://nationallinkcoalition.org/what-is-the-link