October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), an opportunity to raise awareness about the realities and prevalence of domestic violence in our communities, and share information about how The Women’s Center supports survivors through our 24/7 programs and services.
Domestic violence is a crime that affects everyone in communities, states, and nations regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or social-economic status. #Every1Knows Some1 who has experienced domestic violence and stigmas have led to it being a significantly under-reported crime. Many victims will suffer alone in silence and as a community we need to come together to support and empower survivors.
The Women’s Center encourages you to take action this month, to show support and honor those who have been victimized by domestic violence or paid the ultimate price and lost their lives. So, what can you do to help?
This month we are asking you to “Learn. Listen. Share”
LEARN about the issue. Domestic violence thrives in silence. To be able to support and help victims and survivors, and to prevent domestic violence in the future, we all need to talk about it. And to talk about domestic violence, we need others to fully understand what it is.
- Check back to this webpage throughout October for special posts, and follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, and Twitter) to keep learning all year long.
LISTEN to survivors. Domestic violence affects all of us and disclosing this very personal aspect of a survivor’s life is a scary step in their healing journey. The key is to listen without judgment, believe, and offer support to survivors. Here are a few ways you can support them.
SHARE with others and get involved. There will be many opportunities for you to share information this month! We will be sending out graphics and resources for you to share on social media to further spread awareness about Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Make sure to use the hashtags #EndDomesticViolence #Every1KnowsSome1 and #twcwaukesha.
Sign up here to make sure you receive The Women’s Center’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month Virtual Toolkit
(toolkits will be sent out over email each Monday throughout October).
Here are other ways you can get involved:
- Mention DVAM in your conversations. Domestic violence thrives in silence. By talking about it we can help remove stigmas around domestic violence.
- Wear Purple on October 21st for “Purple Thursday” in support of survivors. Share photos of yourself, your school or your business wearing purple and use the hashtags #purplethursday, #enddomesticviolence, #twcwaukesha and #Every1KnowsSomene1.
- See purple light displays in Waukesha for the “Light the Way” campaign at Les Park Pavilion and Youmans Park from October 15-20. In addition to these, local Waukesha businesses will also be displaying purple lights. Bulbs are sold at TNT Ace Hardware on Sunset Dr in Waukesha and a portion of all proceeds from purple bulb sales will be donated back to The Women’s Center. Coupon for purchase here.
- Honor and remember those who have lost their lives to domestic violence through a powerful display of life-sized purple silhouettes on the front grounds of The Women’s Center throughout the month of October. The presence of this display is a stark and sobering reminder of the presence of domestic violence in this community we all share. Each life-sized figure is a silent witness bearing a date of death due to domestic violence. Each figure has a name. Each figure was a member of this community.
- Stop by Waukesha’s Public Library during October and donate to their supply drive to support The Women’s Center.
- Watch for our awareness message before movies at Marcus Majestic Cinema in Brookfield.
- Tune In 103.7 Kiss FM, 88.9 Radio Milwaukee, or 89.7 WUWM to listen to important messages throughout the month of October to raise awareness about Domestic Violence.
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn for pictures and updates throughout October.
Additional Resources
- Every1KnowsSome1 – NNEDV
If you or someone you know needs help, call our 24-Hour Hotline at 262.542.3828.
Thank you to WaterStone Bank for their support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the mission of The Women’s Center.
