DVAM 2024
Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Heal, Hold, and Center
History
What initially began as a day intended to “celebrate those who have survived, and connecting those who work to end violence” (NCADV, 2022), the “Day of Unity” soon evolved into an entire week devoted to a range of activities conducted at the local, state, and national level. Continuing to pick up traction, in October of 1987, the first National Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed.
Background
Domestic violence “also known as intimate partner or relationship abuse, a pattern of behaviors used by one person to maintain power & control over another person in an intimate or family relationship. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, threats, financial abuse, and emotional abuse” (NCADV, 2022). While Domestic violence (also known as intimate partner violence) pervades all cultures, religions, gender and sexual identities, domestic violence disproportionately impacts BIPOC women. As Arlington County continues to embed racial equity in its footprint, it is vital to be cognizant of and acknowledge communities that have historically experienced domestic violence at radically higher rates, namely BIPOC women and girls, only to be retraumatized through oppressive and inequitable service delivery. Together, through Arlington's commitment to race and equity, we can forge a new system of service delivery that aims to eradicate all oppression to achieve the justice every survivor deserves.
Take Action:
You and/or your agency can directly show support by:
Participate in our Learning Opportunities Throughout the Month:
- 10/8 AND 10/15 Strengthening Our Response to IPV 2-Day Training: This 2-day in-person training, developed by Project PEACE Goal 2 Committee, is for those who want to enhance their response to individuals impacted by intimate partner violence. This training will review the dynamics of intimate partner violence and how they impact adults and children, highlight the cultural context of intimate partner violence and how it impacts help seeking behavior and our response, and more. Registration is required and can be accessed here.
- 10/23 Everybody Argues, Right?: Facilitated by members of Project PEACE's Ongoing Services Committee, this workshop designed for adult learners will explore how to have healthy and safe disagreements in an intimate relationship, how to know if the relationship is ending and how to break-up. Domestic violence is a relationship choice. This workshop will be held in English and Spanish, virtually on zoom and registration is required. To register, click English Registration or Spanish Registration.
Awareness Raising and Survivor Honoring
- .10/17 Purple Thursday: We all have a role in promoting healthy relationships and safe homes in our community. Join us in elevating this message with PURPLE on Thursday, October 17th. Below are ways to participate:
- Wear Purple for Domestic Violence Awareness Day, also known as #PurpleThursday.
- Use wearing purple as a conversation starter and share why ending domestic violence is important to you and for our community.
- Share photos of you wearing purple with Project PEACE on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Twitter using the hashtags #PurpleThursday, #PurpleThursdayArlington, and #DVAM2024
- 10/19 Doorways Family Movie: Join us for a family movie day! Tickets are just $10/adult and $5/child, and all guests receive a free snack pack with drink, popcorn, and candy. "Wild Robot" will start at 11:00a and and run until 1:00p Join us as early as 10:00a to learn more about Doorways and resources for your family in the community. Tickets can be purchased here.
- 10/22 County Board reading of DVAM Proclamation: Join the Arlington County Board at 3:00p during their October recessed meeting as they share and read the 2024 Domestic Violence Awareness Month proclamation. This meeting can be accessed in-person at County Board Meeting Room, Bozman Government Center, 2100 Clarendon Blvd. Ste. #307, 22201 or virtually here.
- 10/26 ECDC Domestic Violence Advocacy Day: ECDC’s Safe Journey Victim Advocacy Team warmly invites you and your organization to participate in their Domestic Violence Advocacy Day 2024 hosted at 903 S. Highland St. Arlington, VA 22204. This year, will be united under the theme: “Empowering Voices, Changing Lives!" As we mark the end of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, ECDC is committed to creating a safer community by fostering awareness, providing resources, and offering support to those affected by domestic violence. For questions or interest about participation, email Priscilla Egbe at pegbe@ecdc.org
- 10/30 Doorways' Open Hearts, Open Doors 2024 Gala: Join Doorways for an evening of delicious eats, drinks, and great company – all to benefit Doorways. Together, we can create an Arlington free of violence. Because open hearts, open doors! Tickets are required to attend this event. Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased here.
- Amplifying social media messages by sharing the content already prepared on our social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) with your own networks all month long, especially during #31DaysofDVAM.
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#PutTheNailIn: Created by Safe Horizon, the #PutTheNailInItcampaign inspires everyday individuals to do their part to end domestic violence, opening up conversations about this urgent issue. By painting their ring fingernail purple, community members vow to help spread awareness of domestic violence. Painting of the nail is also a sign that the individual has donated to Safe Horizon to support programs and services for survivors of domestic violence.
P.S. Tell us about your experience accessing services in Arlington.
Click here to access the 2024 Safe Homes, Safe Relationships Survey.(Survey available in English and Spanish/encuesta disponible en inglés y español)
Everyone deserves to be safe at home and in their relationships. When someone in our community is not safe and is being hurt by their partner, there are resources to help. Please consider taking the survey to share your experience using, looking for, or referring people to resources for those impacted by domestic/intimate partner/dating violence and sexual assault in Arlington County. While the survey works best on a computer, you may also use a mobile device.
Questions in the survey ask about your experience, or the experiences of people you know, and could bring up strong emotions. It is your choice how many, and which questions you answer. If you need support at any time, please call the Doorways Domestic and Sexual Violence hotline available 24-hours a day at 703-237-0881.
This survey was created by Project PEACE, Arlington’s Coordinated Community Response, in order to understand how Arlington community members have, or have not, accessed local support. This survey is confidential and results will be analyzed by Project PEACE and their members to enhance and improve services for everyone in the county. Questions? Call or email: 703-228-5003 or info-projectpeace@arlingtonva.us
Resources
If you or someone you know has been impacted by intimate partner or sexual violence you are not alone. We are here to help.
- For Arlington resources click here.
- For Alexandria resources click here.
- For Fairfax resources click here.
- For Loudoun resources click here.
- For JCADA resources and support click here.
Materials
Sexual and Domestic Violence Resources
Sexual and Domestic Violence Resources
Resources for Adults Supporting Youth
The materials above are free to download and use. To request pre-printed versions please email info-projectPEACE@arlingtonva.us