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Honoring Domestic Violence Awareness Month

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Honoring Domestic Violence Awareness Month

By Ken Lopez LSW (they/them)

You feel like your partner is constantly ridiculing you, calling you names and insulting your valued beliefs.

Your feelings are ignored.

Your are forced to participate in unwanted activities.

You feel threatened and manipulated.

Domestic Violence is an epidemic that spreads violence throughout communities and family units across the nation. Any individual can be subject to an abusive relationship, regardless of nationality, race, gender, sexuality, socio-economic status, age, or religion. The violence that an individual experiences within a relationship typically coexists with controlling behaviors and emotionally abusive patterns which exposes a pattern of dominance and control.

What Is Domestic Violence Awareness Month?

October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), which was launched nationwide in October of 1987 as a way to connect individuals and communities who have or are experiencing domestic abuse. During the month of October, we are given the opportunity to raise awareness, support domestic violence survivors and provide space to those who are currently experiencing domestic violence or intimate partner violence who may not have a voice to speak out. Additionally, this month is uplifted with the color purple. Through the month, individuals and communities decorate their lives with purple which can range from t-shirts and ribbons to nail polish. The color purple is a symbol of courage, peace, survival, honor and dedication to ending violence.

Supporting Someone Who Has Been Impacted by Domestic Violence or Abuse

Supporting a friend, loved one or family member who has experienced domestic violence or trauma is difficult. If someone comes to you for support, provide them with an open and non-judgemental space where you are listening, believing, and being a source of comfort for them.

Some things you can say if someone you know has been impacted by domestic violence:

  • “I believe you.”

  • “It was not your fault.”

  • “Can I help?”

  • “What do you need most right now?”

How Can You Get Involved This Month?

The National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma, and Mental Health is a fantastic organization that promotes intersectionality with survivor-defined healing, liberation, and equity that trainings, resources, publications, and research and policy that helps facilitate systemically the language associated with Domestic Violence. If you are interested, feel free to browse the site for more information! If you’re curious about Pennsylvania’s specific resources for Domestic Violence, feel free to browse the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Here you will find specific resources for our state!


The City of Philadelphia will be hosting a variation of events that foster support for Domestic Violence: 

Much progress has been made to support domestic violence survivors, to hold abusers accountable and to create spaces to have conversations about domestic violence. It takes courage for a survivor of domestic abuse to share their story with anyone.

Are you looking for a Trauma or Relationship Therapist? Contact us today to speak with one of our therapists!