October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Since 1987, October has been recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to educate, honor survivors, and uplift a community that too often suffers in silence. It is more than just a tradition; it’s an invitation for collective pause, a moment to reflect on the resilience of survivors, and an invitation to all of us to step forward with compassion, courage, and action.

In this article, we’ll share some action steps you can take and insights on what we can accomplish together.

Showing Up Matters

One of the most visible ways to participate is Purple Thursday, happening this year on October 16th. Wearing purple may feel like a small act, but together, those small acts weave into a larger statement: we see you, we support you, and we stand with you.

But showing up isn’t only about what we wear. Beyond that, the best way to build stronger, safer communities is to simply show up. Call and check on a friend, volunteer at &Rise or a local domestic violence center, or attend awareness events and celebrations in your area. These acts of presence, no matter how small they seem, build stronger communities. They remind survivors that they are surrounded by people who care and that their lives matter.

Breaking the Silence

One thing we know about domestic violence is that it thrives in the shadows. It feeds on secrecy and silence. It relies on ignorance and shame to hide in plain sight. Domestic Violence Awareness Month shines a bright light into those dark corners. Awareness brings truth. Truth brings healing. Healing creates the possibility of growth and new beginnings.

When we raise our voices together, the isolation that so many survivors feel begins to fade. It becomes clear: you are not alone, and you never were. There is power in unity, and there is hope in solidarity.

Stand Up For Domestic Violence Awareness This October With &Rise

If you’ve been waiting for the chance to get involved, this is your time! For those in Chicago, &Rise is offering events and meetups to connect, support, and empower. For those across the world, look to your own city and county websites, local organizations, or even word of mouth. Social media can also serve as a bridge, use the hashtag #DVAM to find and join conversations that matter.

Every action, whether public or private, big or small, contributes to a culture where survivors are not only heard, but believed, valued, and celebrated.

Keep Advocating for Domestic Violence Survivors 

October brings this issue into focus for one month, but its impact and the need for our attention last all year. Let this month remind us that we are part of a larger story — one where silence is broken and cycles of harm no longer define families and communities. Together, we can create space for truth, healing, and growth.

Stand with survivors. Stand against violence. And remember, when we shine light together, the darkness cannot win.

"Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion." - bell hooks

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