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Domestic Violence Awareness Month: A Call to Action for Change

Updated: Oct 24, 2023

October is more than just the allure of pumpkin spice lattes and the beauty of autumn leaves; it is also the month we unite to highlight a darker issue: domestic violence. Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is a time to connect, raise our voices, and take action against this pervasive problem that impacts countless lives. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the significance of DVAM, how to get involved, and the resources available to make a tangible difference.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month: You Are Not Alone

Understanding Domestic Violence


Defining Domestic Violence

Domestic violence encompasses more than physical abuse; it includes emotional, financial, and psychological abuse. It is a pattern of behavior aimed at controlling and intimidating victims, leaving them trapped in a cycle of fear.


Types of Domestic Violence


  • Physical Violence Physical violence involves using force to control or harm a partner or family member. It can include hitting, slapping, punching, choking, or any actions causing bodily harm.

  • Emotional or Psychological Abuse Emotional abuse manipulates and controls by degrading, humiliating, or diminishing a person's self-worth. Tactics include constant criticism, humiliation, isolation, and threats to harm the victim or their loved ones emotionally.

  • Financial Abuse This involves controlling or exploiting a victim's finances to limit their independence. It includes restricting access to money, withholding financial information, misusing funds, or forcing the victim to work against their will.

  • Sexual Abuse Sexual abuse coerces or forces someone into sexual activities without consent, including rape, sexual assault, unwanted advances, or non-consensual sexual contact within a relationship.

  • Verbal Abuse Harsh words, insults, threats, or constant yelling maintain power and control over the victim.

  • Digital or Cyber Abuse Abusers use technology, such as social media, text messages, or email, to stalk, harass, or control a partner. It may involve sharing intimate photos without consent or online harassment.

  • Isolation Using manipulation, threats, or intimidation to remove the victim from their support network makes it harder for them to seek help or escape the abusive relationship.

  • Spiritual or Religious Abuse Abusers may manipulate a victim's faith or spirituality, using religious beliefs to justify abuse or coercing them into religious activities against their will.

  • Cultural or Identity-Based Abuse Specific forms of abuse target a person's cultural background, ethnicity, or identity, often through offensive remarks or manipulation based on their individuality.

The Alarming Statistics


To grasp the urgency of DVAM, consider this: one in three women and one in four men will experience physical violence by an intimate partner during their lifetime. These statistics underscore the gravity of the issue, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness.

The History of Domestic Violence Awareness Month


Origins of DVAM

DVAM's roots trace back to the 1980s when activists and advocates united to bring this issue to the forefront, linking it to the feminist movement.

man is the background holding unto woman's (foreground) shoulder

Milestones and Developments

DVAM has evolved since its inception, with various milestones and developments shaping its impact on societal attitudes and encouraging dialogue about domestic violence.


The Color Purple: Symbol of Domestic Violence Awareness The Significance of Purple

Purple symbolizes hope, courage, and unity in the fight against domestic violence. It represents strength, dignity, visibility, and solidarity.


Unlocking the Power of Purple: Creative Ways to Show Your Support

Wearing a purple ribbon, organizing purple-themed events, or decorating your social media profiles with purple can demonstrate your support for DVAM.


Awareness Matters


The Impact of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence has far-reaching consequences for victims and society as a whole. Awareness is the first step toward prevention and support.


picture of a cityscape in high contrast

Getting Involved in Domestic Violence Awareness Month


Ways Businesses and Organizations Can Participate

Businesses can significantly impact DVAM by partnering with initiatives, promoting awareness internally, and engaging in fundraising.

. Promoting Domestic Violence Awareness Online

Born Brown All Rights Reserved (BBARR) is an online sanctuary promoting positive messages for social justice, liberation, love, and recognition. This organization can actively contribute to DVAM by:

  1. Creating Awareness: Leveraging its platform to educate the audience about domestic violence, its prevalence, and its impact through various content types.

  2. Storytelling: Sharing personal stories of survivors or advocates through interviews, blog posts, or dedicated storytelling initiative.

  3. Promoting DVAM Events: Promoting local and national DVAM events, rallies, webinars, and seminars.

  4. Partnerships and Collaborations: Collaborating with domestic violence awareness organizations, shelters, and support groups to lead joint awareness campaigns and events.

  5. Utilizing Social Media: Initiating and engaging in conversations about domestic violence on social media to foster a supportive community.

  6. Providing Educational Resources: Compiling and sharing resources, including statistics, helpline numbers, and information about support services.

  7. Empowerment and Healing: Offering resources focusing on empowerment and healing for survivors, including self-care tips, legal guidance, and emotional support.

  8. Embracing Purple Symbolism: Incorporating purple-themed elements into branding during DVAM to visually show support and solidarity.

  9. Fundraising: Hosting fundraisers to support domestic violence shelters and organizations.

  10. Continuous Engagement: Committing to ongoing awareness beyond DVAM.

Uniting for Change - Born Brown All Rights Reserved's Role in DVAM


During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we are reminded of our shared responsibility in ending this crisis. Born Brown All Rights Reserved can make a significant impact by fostering awareness, support, and change on its platform. Let us unite and strive for a world free from domestic violence. #HonorKayla



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