Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence thrives when we are silent; but if we take a stand and work together, we can end domestic violence. Throughout the month of October, help the Putnam/Northern Westchester Women's Resource Center raise awareness about domestic violence and join in our efforts to end violence.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the "Day of Unity" held in October 1981 and conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The intent was to connect advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children.
Take A Stand is a call to action meant to bring attention to the issue of domestic violence for Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). By taking a stand we intend to remind the nation that there are still countless people--victims and survivors, their children and families, their friends and family, their communities--impacted by domestic violence. We, all of us, should not stop until society has zero tolerance for domestic violence and until all victims and survivors can be heard.
There are many ways to get involved--participate in NCADV's Take A Stand event on the Capitol Grounds on October 1st, meet with Members of Congress during our Lobby Day event (October 1st), hold a local event, share information via social media--it's up to you!
How can we work together to raise awareness of domestic violence? By “Shining a Light” on the subject and bringing it out of the darkness! “Shine the Light on Domestic Violence” is a campaign that connects communities across New York by turning the state purple during October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
This is the eighth year of the campaign, coordinated by the NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence. From skyscrapers to bridges, storefronts to shopping centers, purple lights illuminate the nights of October. People wear purple clothing while police cars and municipal vehicles display purple magnetic ribbons. This low or no-cost campaign has grown from several dozen participants in 2008 many hundreds. See a list and photos from previous years.
