National Domestic Violence Month

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If you or someone you know needs help **National Domestic Violence Hotline:** 800-799-7233 · text START to 88788 · chat at [thehotline.org](https://www.thehotline.org/) **Love Is Respect:** 866-331-9474 · text LOVEIS to 22522 **In immediate danger:** call 911

 

 

Overview

 

Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is observed every October in the United States. Advocates, shelters, tribal programs, schools, employers and faith communities use it to honor survivors, remember those killed, and push for stronger prevention and support.

 

The 2026 campaign theme from the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV) is **"With Survivors, Always."** NRCDV says the theme moves the month "from awareness to action," in response to minimized violence, service cuts and barriers to survivor safety. Campaign hashtags include #WithSurvivors, #DVActionMonth and #DVAM2026. Purple is the color of the observance.

 

Purple Thursday. Many programs ask people to wear purple on a Thursday in October as a visible sign of solidarity. The Thursdays in October 2026 are the 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th. Check the [National Indigenous Women's Resource Center](https://www.niwrc.org/dvam) or [NRCDV](https://www.dvawareness.org/WithSurvivors) for the date your partners are using.

 

History of the observance

 

1. 1981

 

   The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) holds a "Day of Unity" in October to connect advocates working to end violence against women and children.

2. 1987

 

   The first Domestic Violence Awareness Month is observed in October, expanding the single day into a month of vigils, marches and local events.

3. 1989

 

   Congress designates October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

4. 1994

 

   The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) becomes law and later funds much of the national response, including the Office on Violence Against Women at the Department of Justice.

5. Today

 

   NRCDV runs the Domestic Violence Awareness Project and sets the yearly theme. NCADV, which started the observance, has merged with the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

 

Sources: [NIWRC, DVAM 30th anniversary](https://www.niwrc.org/restoration-magazine/october-2017/domestic-violence-awareness-month-30th-anniversary-dvamturns30) (1981, 1987, 1989); [NRCDV](https://www.dvawareness.org/WithSurvivors); [NCADV](https://www.ncadv.org/). The 1994 VAWA date is from general public record, and the [Office on Violence Against Women](https://www.justice.gov/ovw/domestic-violence) describes the law's role today.

 

What domestic violence is

 

The U.S. Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women describes domestic violence as "a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner." It includes physical, sexual, emotional, economic, psychological and technological actions or threats, and other coercive patterns of behavior. VAWA contains its own legal definition for programs it funds.

 

Many people picture only physical violence. Advocates stress that abuse is a *pattern* aimed at control, and that it often starts with behavior that is easy to explain away. The Duluth Model's Power and Control Wheel, used in advocacy worldwide, names these tactics:

 

- Using intimidation

- Using emotional abuse

- Using isolation

- Minimizing, denying and blaming

- Using children

- Using economic abuse

- Using coercion and threats

- Physical and sexual violence (the outer ring that holds the pattern in place)

 

Technology adds another layer: monitoring phones, tracking location, controlling accounts, sharing images without consent, and harassing through social media. The [Safety Net Project](https://www.techsafety.org/) at NNEDV is the main national source on this.

 

Stalking often accompanies partner abuse. The [Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center](https://www.stalkingawareness.org/) trains professionals on identifying and responding to it.

 

 By the numbers

 

34.0%

 

of U.S. women (about 43.5 million) experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime. CDC NISVS 2023/2024.

 

17.0%

 

of U.S. men (about 20.7 million) experienced the same. CDC NISVS 2023/2024.

 

1 in 5

 

homicide victims is killed by an intimate partner, and more than half of female homicide victims are killed by current or former male partners. CDC, citing National Violent Death Reporting System data.

 

25.8%

 

of women aged 15 to 49 worldwide who have been in a relationship have experienced physical or sexual violence from a partner. WHO.

 

| Lifetime, by intimate partner (NISVS 2023/2024) | Women | Men |

| --- | --- | --- |

| Contact sexual violence | 19.7% | 4.4% |

| Physical violence | 22.5% | 13.7% |

| Stalking | 12.2% | 4.2% |

 

Other points for discussion:

 

- CDC reports that about 16 million women and 11 million men first experienced partner violence before age 18 (2016/2017 data).

- WHO estimates that an average of 140 women and girls were killed every day in 2023 by partners or family members, and that partner violence has declined only about 0.2% a year over two decades.

- WHO reports a 41% lifetime prevalence of physical violence among transgender women.

- These are survey estimates. Different studies define violence differently and many people never report, so figures vary between sources. Comparing sources is a good critical-reading exercise (see Activity 4).

 

Sources: [CDC, About Intimate Partner Violence](https://www.cdc.gov/intimate-partner-violence/about/index.html); [VAWnet summary of the 2023/2024 NISVS data brief](https://vawnet.org/material/national-intimate-partner-and-sexual-violence-survey-20232024-intimate-partner-violence); [WHO fact sheet on violence against women](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women). The CDC page and the data brief give different lifetime cost estimates, so this guide leaves them out.

 

 Myths and facts

 

| Common belief | What advocates and research say |

| --- | --- |

| "It's only abuse if there are bruises." | Emotional, economic, digital and sexual abuse are all part of domestic violence. The Power and Control Wheel shows that physical violence is only one tactic. |

| "If it were that bad, they would just leave." | Leaving can take many attempts and can be the most dangerous time. Reasons for staying include fear, money, children, housing, immigration status, isolation, love and hope. TED-Ed's lesson on this question is used in Activity 3. |

| "It only happens to women." | Women report higher rates, and men are also victims (17.0% lifetime in the CDC survey). People of every gender and orientation experience it, and LGBTQ+ survivors often face extra barriers. |

| "It only happens in poor or uneducated families." | Partner violence occurs in every income, education, age, faith and cultural group. Money can affect which help is reachable. |

| "It's a private family matter." | It is a public health and public safety issue. CDC treats it as a major public health problem, and workplaces, schools and neighbors all have roles. |

| "Abusers lose control of their anger." | Advocates describe abuse as a choice used to gain control. Abusers are often calm and charming in public, which is why survivors are sometimes not believed. |

 

 Communities and context

 

Abuse looks different, and help looks different, depending on culture, identity and circumstance. National organizations offer resources designed for specific communities:

 

Native and Indigenous survivors.** The [National Indigenous Women's Resource Center](https://www.niwrc.org/dvam) and the [StrongHearts Native Helpline](https://strongheartshelpline.org/) (844-762-8483) offer culturally grounded support.

Deaf survivors.** [The Deaf Hotline](https://www.thedeafhotline.org/) offers 24/7 ASL-accessible support at 855-812-1001, in partnership with the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

Latina and Latin@ communities.** [Esperanza United](https://www.esperanzaunited.org/) mobilizes communities to end domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking.

Immigrant, refugee and culturally diverse women.** The Duluth Model's [Wheel Gallery](https://www.theduluthmodel.org/wheels/wheel-gallery/) includes adaptations for these groups, plus Black communities, LGBTQI men, Amish and Plain communities, people with learning disabilities, and others, in more than 40 languages.

Young adults.** [Love Is Respect](https://www.loveisrespect.org/) and [Break the Cycle](https://www.breakthecycle.org/) focus on healthy relationships and dating abuse.

Men and boys.** Futures Without Violence runs [Team: Changing Minds](https://teamchangingminds.org/) on boys' mental health and connection.

Workplaces.** [Workplaces Respond](https://www.workplacesrespond.org/) offers factsheets, training and technical assistance for employers and coworkers.

 

 How to support someone you are worried about

 

This guidance reflects what national advocacy organizations such as the Hotline, Love Is Respect and NRCDV commonly teach. Their "support others" pages have more detail.

 

- **Listen without judgment** and say you believe them.

- **Say it is not their fault** and that they do not deserve to be hurt.

- **Avoid ultimatums** and avoid pressure to leave. The person knows their situation and risks best.

- **Offer specific help** such as a ride, childcare, a safe place to keep documents, or sitting with them while they call the Hotline.

- **Encourage contact with an advocate** through the Hotline or a local program. Advocates help with safety planning.

- **Be careful with technology.** If the abuser may monitor the person's phone or accounts, use a device they cannot access.

- **Keep the door open.** Stay in touch even if the person returns to the relationship.

 

 Facilitation guide

 

Teach this topic with a trauma-informed approach. The goal is understanding and connection to help, not disclosure in class.

 

- **Announce the topic ahead of time** and tell learners they may step out, pass or skip any activity without explanation.

- **Do not ask anyone to share personal experiences.** Use fictional scenarios and public data. If someone discloses, thank them, do not probe, and offer the resource list privately afterward.

- **Set ground rules:** respect, no victim-blaming, no jokes, and what is said in the room stays in the room, except where safety is at risk.

- **Know your reporting duties.** Teachers, health workers and others may be mandated reporters for child abuse or abuse of vulnerable adults. Check your institution's policy and your state's law before the session.

- **Invite a local advocate.** The Hotline's [directory of local providers](https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/directory-of-local-providers/) and [DomesticShelters.org](https://www.domesticshelters.org/) help you find a program that will co-teach or visit.

- **Do not teach risk-scoring tools as self-tests.** The [Danger Assessment](https://www.dangerassessment.org/) is designed for use by trained professionals and advocates. Refer individuals to the Hotline or a local advocate instead.

- **Avoid graphic detail** and avoid victim-blaming language such as "why didn't she just leave?" Replace it with "what keeps people trapped?"

- **End on action and hope,** then repeat the hotline numbers.

- **Accessibility:** many resources below have Spanish versions, ASL support or translations. Offer them in the form your learners need.

 

 Classroom activities

 

Each activity lists a time estimate, a suggested audience and the online resources it uses. Mix and match them across a single session or a month-long series.

 

1. Decode the Power and Control Wheel

 

30–40 minAny adult groupPrint or screen

 

Learners see how a pattern of tactics, not single incidents, defines abuse.

 

 Steps

 

1. Show the [Power and Control Wheel](https://www.theduluthmodel.org/wheels/) and watch the narrated explainer on that page, if time allows.

2. Give small groups a short fictional vignette (write your own) and ask them to place each behavior on a spoke.

3. Reveal the [Equality Wheel](https://www.theduluthmodel.org/wheels/wheel-gallery/) and discuss what each healthy-relationship spoke replaces.

4. Debrief: which tactics are hardest for outsiders to see?

 

 Adapt it

 

Choose a community-specific wheel (immigrant women, Black community, economic, abuse of animals, easier-read version) or download a translation for English learners. Ask DAIP before publishing any adapted version.

 

 2. Myth-and-fact card sort

 

20–30 minAny adult groupIndex cards

 

Write the myths from the [table above](#myths) on one set of cards and the facts on another. Pairs match them, then check their answers against the CDC and NRCDV pages. Ask: where did you first hear each myth?

 

Resources: [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/intimate-partner-violence/about/index.html), [The Hotline](https://www.thehotline.org/).

 

3. "Why victims don't leave": watch and discuss

 

40–50 minAny adult groupVideo

 

Use the TED-Ed lesson built on Leslie Morgan Steiner's talk "Why domestic violence victims don't leave." Content note: it describes her own abusive relationship, including violence.

 

1. Give the content note and offer an opt-out.

2. Watch the talk, then use the lesson's discussion questions.

3. Discuss in small groups: what barriers does the speaker name? Which could a community, employer or policy change?

 

Resource: [TED-Ed lesson](https://ed.ted.com/lessons/why-domestic-violence-victims-don-t-leave-leslie-morgan-steiner)†.

 

4. Data literacy: reading the numbers

 

45–60 minStatistics, ESL advanced, civics, healthComputers or printouts

 

Learners compare CDC and WHO figures, then explain why two reliable sources can give different numbers.

 

1. Assign pairs one of: [NISVS 2023/2024 summary](https://vawnet.org/material/national-intimate-partner-and-sexual-violence-survey-20232024-intimate-partner-violence), [CDC overview](https://www.cdc.gov/intimate-partner-violence/about/index.html), [WHO fact sheet](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women).

2. Each pair records the population, time period, definition of violence and the main figure.

3. Compare as a class: lifetime versus past-year, women only versus all genders, survey versus homicide records.

4. Write one sentence that states a statistic accurately and with its limits.

 

5. Bystander scenarios

 

30–40 minWorkplace, college, community groups

 

Write three to four short fictional scenarios: a coworker with repeated unexplained absences and a partner who calls constantly; a neighbor's raised voices at night; a friend whose partner controls her money; a classmate whose ex keeps appearing at his workplace. Small groups discuss what they could safely say or do, what they should not do, and who else could help. Collect ideas on a shared board.

 

Resources: [The Hotline](https://www.thehotline.org/) (support-others guidance), [Love Is Respect](https://www.loveisrespect.org/), [Futures Without Violence library](https://www.futureswithoutviolence.org/resources).

 

 6. Digital safety workshop

 

45 min Computer or digital-literacy classes

Learners explore how technology is used for control and how to protect privacy. Keep the focus on general privacy habits. Do not ask anyone to inspect a device because of a specific partner.

 

1. Read the Safety Net Project's overview and choose two toolkits.

2. Create a checklist for strong passwords, app permissions, location sharing and account recovery.

3. Discuss: why is it unsafe to suddenly lock out someone who is monitoring you? Why talk to an advocate first?

 

Resources: [Safety Net Project (NNEDV)](https://www.techsafety.org/); [DomesticShelters.org](https://www.domesticshelters.org/), which offers disguised safety apps.

 

7. Map your community's resources

 

45–60 min ESL, civics, job-readiness, social services

Teams build a one-page resource sheet for your area.

 

1. Use the Hotline's [local provider directory](https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/directory-of-local-providers/) and [DomesticShelters.org](https://www.domesticshelters.org/) to find shelters, legal aid, counseling, and culturally specific programs nearby.

2. Record name, services, hours, languages, accessibility and how to reach them.

3. Compile a class sheet with the national numbers on top. Check each entry by phone or website before sharing.

 

 8. What can employers do?

 

45–60 minBusiness, HR, management, vocational courses

 

Learners review workplace guidance and draft a short policy outline or a manager's checklist.

 

1. Browse the [Workplaces Respond resource library](https://www.workplacesrespond.org/resource-library/) and the [Domestic Violence and the Workplace factsheet](https://futureswithoutviolence.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/DV-and-the-Workplace-Factsheet_1.28.25.pdf)†.

2. Identify warning signs at work, safe ways for a manager to start a conversation, and options such as leave, schedule changes and security planning.

3. Draft a one-page outline and swap with another team for critique.

 

See also [Survivor Economic Empowerment](https://www.survivoreconomicempowerment.org) from Futures Without Violence on workforce programs.

 

### 9. Policy and civics: the Violence Against Women Act

 

60 minCivics, government, citizenship, law

 

Learners trace how federal law shaped the response to domestic violence.

 

1. Read the [Office on Violence Against Women definition page](https://www.justice.gov/ovw/domestic-violence).

2. Research VAWA's purposes and its reauthorizations. Assign pairs to summarize one provision.

3. Check the [Hotline Action Center](https://www.thehotlineactioncenter.org/) for current advocacy campaigns.

4. Write a letter to an elected official or a short policy brief on one issue, such as funding for shelters or housing protections.

 

10. Awareness campaign design

 

60–90 minMarketing, communications, art, writing classes

 

Teams create a campaign using the free 2026 DVAM materials: social cards, rally signs, fillable "I'm with survivors when…" signs, coloring pages, press release templates and talking points on prevalence and services.

 

1. Download materials from [NRCDV's With Survivors, Always page](https://www.dvawareness.org/WithSurvivors).

2. Choose an audience (students, coworkers, neighbors) and one call to action.

3. Draft a poster, short post or press release. Check every statistic against its source.

4. Present and review each other's work for accuracy and for respectful language.

 

11. Purple Thursday solidarity day

 

Whole day or 15 minWhole school or program

 

Invite learners and staff to wear purple, display the hotline numbers and share one fact from the month. Pair it with a donation drive for a local program, after asking the program what it actually needs. Resources: [NIWRC DVAM page](https://www.niwrc.org/dvam), [NRCDV materials](https://www.dvawareness.org/WithSurvivors), [Doorways Purple Thursday kit](https://www.doorwaysva.org/learn/prevention-program/purplethursday/)†.

 

12. Culture, community and healing

 

45–60 minSocial studies, humanities, Native studies

 

Explore how culture shapes both abuse and healing. Use NIWRC's DVAM materials, including the Intimate Partner Violence Triangle, Respect Wheel guides and the documentary *Tillie Black Bear: A Legacy of Resistance That Lives On*. Ask: what does safety mean beyond the absence of violence? How do community-based approaches differ from system-only responses?

 

Resources: [NIWRC DVAM page](https://www.niwrc.org/dvam), [StrongHearts DVAM page](https://strongheartshelpline.org/about/domestic-violence-awareness-month)†.

 

13. Healthy relationships and dating

 

30–45 minYoung adult and college-bridge programs, parenting classes

 

Use Love Is Respect's sections on healthy relationships, boundaries, consent and digital safety to build a "relationship green flags and red flags" list. Parents and caregivers can plan how to talk with teens, using the Love Is Respect and Break the Cycle materials.

 

Resources: [Love Is Respect](https://www.loveisrespect.org/), [Break the Cycle](https://www.breakthecycle.org/).

 

 14. Guest advocate and Q&A

 

45–60 minAny adult group

 

Invite an advocate from a local program. Collect anonymous written questions beforehand. Ask the guest to cover how to reach services, what happens when someone calls, what the program does not do, and how learners can volunteer or donate. Find programs through the [Hotline directory](https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/directory-of-local-providers/) or [DomesticShelters.org](https://www.domesticshelters.org/). Professionals can take free trainings through the [NRCDV Training Institute](https://nrcdv.org/solutions/training/).

 

Link directory

 

The links below were opened or retrieved on October 4, 2026. Links marked † appeared in search results but were not individually opened. Websites change, so check each before class.

 

 Get help and safety planning

 

- [The National Domestic Violence Hotline](https://www.thehotline.org/)800-799-7233, text START to 88788, live chat, and an AI chat tool for when advocates are busy.

- [Plan for safety](https://www.thehotline.org/plan-for-safety/)Safety planning tools from the Hotline.

- [Directory of local providers](https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/directory-of-local-providers/)Find shelters, legal help, counseling and more near you.

- [Love Is Respect](https://www.loveisrespect.org/)Phone 866-331-9474, text LOVEIS to 22522, chat. For young people and anyone worried about a relationship.

- [The Deaf Hotline](https://www.thedeafhotline.org/)24/7 ASL-accessible support, 855-812-1001.

- [StrongHearts Native Helpline](https://strongheartshelpline.org/)† 844-762-8483, for Native and Indigenous survivors.

- [DomesticShelters.org](https://www.domesticshelters.org/)Searchable shelter and program directory, articles, webinars and a disguised safety app.

- [Safe Horizon](https://www.safehorizon.org/)Large U.S. victim services agency with emergency support and long-term help.

 

Awareness month campaigns and toolkits

 

- [DVAM 2026: With Survivors, Always](https://www.dvawareness.org/WithSurvivors)NRCDV campaign page: logos, social cards, signs, coloring pages, Zoom backgrounds, talking points.

- [NIWRC Domestic Violence Awareness Month](https://www.niwrc.org/dvam)Native-centered educational materials, webinars, documentary and Purple Thursday information.

- [StrongHearts DVAM page](https://strongheartshelpline.org/about/domestic-violence-awareness-month)†

- [ACF DVAM ideas fact sheet (PDF)](https://acf.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fysb/dvam_ideas_factsheet_508c.pdf)† Federal Family and Youth Services Bureau ideas for observing the month.

- [Futures Without Violence DVAM toolkit (PDF)](https://futureswithoutviolence.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/DVAM-2024-Toolkit-for-General-Audience_2025.pdf)† Prior-year toolkit for general audiences.

- [Purple Thursday outreach kit (Doorways)](https://www.doorwaysva.org/learn/prevention-program/purplethursday/)† Ideas for a local solidarity day.

- [Ohio Domestic Violence Network DVAM page](https://www.odvn.org/dvam/)† Example of a state coalition's resources.

 

 Research, data and policy

 

- [CDC: About Intimate Partner Violence](https://www.cdc.gov/intimate-partner-violence/about/index.html)Definitions, prevalence, consequences and prevention.

- [NISVS 2023/2024 IPV data brief (via VAWnet)](https://vawnet.org/material/national-intimate-partner-and-sexual-violence-survey-20232024-intimate-partner-violence)Latest national survey figures.

- [NISVS 2016/2017 IPV report (PDF)](https://www.cdc.gov/nisvs/documentation/NISVSReportonIPV_2022.pdf)† Detailed earlier report.

- [WHO: Violence against women](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women)Global prevalence, regional differences and health effects.

- [Office on Violence Against Women](https://www.justice.gov/ovw/domestic-violence)Federal definition and VAWA context.

- [VAWnet](https://vawnet.org/)Thousands of professional materials, special collections, training tools and research summaries from NRCDV.

- [Hotline Action Center](https://www.thehotlineactioncenter.org/)Advocacy campaigns and ways to contact elected officials.

 

 Teaching tools, wheels and videos

 

- [Duluth Model wheels](https://www.theduluthmodel.org/wheels/)Power and Control Wheel with narrated explanations.

- [Wheel Gallery](https://www.theduluthmodel.org/wheels/wheel-gallery/)Free downloads: Equality, Post Separation, Abuse of Children, Economic, Immigrant Women, Abuse of Animals, easier-read version and more, in 40+ languages.

- [TED-Ed: Why domestic violence victims don't leave](https://ed.ted.com/lessons/why-domestic-violence-victims-don-t-leave-leslie-morgan-steiner)† Leslie Morgan Steiner's talk with a discussion lesson.

- [NRCDV Training Institute](https://nrcdv.org/solutions/training/)Free webinars and trainings.

- [VAWnet training tools](https://vawnet.org/type/training-tools)Curricula and exercises for trainers.

- [Danger Assessment](https://www.dangerassessment.org/)For professionals and advocates. Includes training and certification. Not a classroom self-test.

- [Futures Without Violence resource library](https://www.futureswithoutviolence.org/resources)Fact sheets, safety cards, toolkits and videos.

 

Technology, stalking and sexual violence

 

- [Safety Net Project (NNEDV)](https://www.techsafety.org/)Technology and privacy toolkits for survivors and advocates.

- [SPARC](https://www.stalkingawareness.org/)Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center.

- [National Sexual Violence Resource Center](https://www.nsvrc.org/)Research and tools on sexual harassment, assault and abuse.

 

Workplace and economic security

 

- [Workplaces Respond](https://www.workplacesrespond.org/)National resource center for employers and coworkers.

- [Workplaces Respond resource library](https://www.workplacesrespond.org/resource-library/)Factsheets, safety cards, webinars and industry-specific materials.

- [Survivor Economic Empowerment](https://www.survivoreconomicempowerment.org)Workforce development for survivors.

 

 Culturally specific and youth organizations

 

- [National Indigenous Women's Resource Center](https://www.niwrc.org/dvam)Native-centered education and advocacy.

- [Esperanza United](https://www.esperanzaunited.org/)Latina and Latin@ communities.

- [Break the Cycle](https://www.breakthecycle.org/)Healthy relationship education for young people.

- [Team: Changing Minds](https://teamchangingminds.org/)Engaging boys and the adults in their lives.

 

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