October is Domestic Violence Action Month

Domestic Violence Action Month (DVAM) launched nationwide in 1987 to connect and unite individuals and organizations working to end domestic violence. Over the last three decades, we have made significant progress by bringing the issue of domestic violence out of the shadows and working towards a society where everyone is free from abuse. There is much left to do.

Safe and healthy families are the key to ensuring safe and vibrant communities. We each have the power to change our culture of violence to one of kindness and compassion through words and our actions.

Did you know?

DV affects women and men:

More than 1 in 4 women (27%) and more than 1 in 9 men (11%) have experienced sexual violence, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner and suffered significant impacts such as PTSD or injury as a result.

It can be lethal:

Nationwide, an average of 3 women are killed by a current or former intimate partner every day.

It has an impact on kids:

1 in 15 children is exposed to intimate partner violence each year, and 90% of these children are eyewitnesses to this violence.

Abuse is a problem for teens and young adults too:

1 in 3 adolescents in the U.S. experiences physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner.

It can lead to homelessness:

More than one-third of domestic violence survivors become homeless immediately after separating from their partner. DV is the leading cause of homelessness for women with children.

It affects businesses:

Domestic violence has been estimated to cost employers in the U.S. up to $13 billion each year.

Join LifeWire in Taking Action

You can make a difference to your family, friends, and community by taking these simple actions:

Practice healthy relationship skills: Learn about the skills necessary to practice healthy communication with others. Talk about what healthy relationships mean to you with those in your life, and model respectful behavior in all of your relationships.
Be supportive: If you think someone close to you is being abused, ask them about it and offer your support. If you think someone you know is abusive, talk to them about their behavior and encourage them to seek help. Continue to check-in and remain connected and supportive.
Stay in the conversation: Help to shape the movement against domestic violence. Speak up to stop attitudes and behaviors that oppress others. Be a source of information about domestic violence.
Learn about and share resources: Everyone has a role to play in creating healthy, safe, and vibrant communities. Explore our website to find out how you can get involved and make a difference.

Take Action

Make a difference

You can make a difference to your family, friends, and community by taking these simple actions:

1. Practice healthy relationship skills: Learn about the skills necessary to practice healthy communication with others. Talk to others about what healthy relationships mean to you and model respectful behavior in your relationships.

2. Be supportive: If you think someone close to you is experiencing abuse, ask them about it and offer your support. If you think someone you know is engaging in abusive behavior, talk to them and encourage them to seek help. Continue to check in and remain connected and supportive.

3. Stay in the conversation: Help shape the movement against domestic violence. Speak up to stop attitudes and behaviors that oppress others. Be a source of information about domestic violence.

4. Learn about and share resources: Everyone has a role to play in creating healthy, safe, and vibrant communities. Explore our website to find out how you can get involved and make a difference.