Six Ways to Prepare for Domestic Violence Awareness Month This Summer

Summer has arrived, and while it’s a season of celebration, relaxation, and outdoor fun, it’s also time for another tradition for those working in the domestic violence field. It’s time to prepare for Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) in October. Whether you’re planning your first in-person event since the COVID-19 pandemic, a social media campaign to take the Internet by storm, or your annual fundraising event, we have you covered with six ways to prepare for DVAM 2024.

1 )  Follow the Domestic Violence Awareness Project for 2024 theme announcements and resources.

Since 1995, the Domestic Violence Awareness Project (DVAP) has led the planning effort for DVAM at the national level. A collaboration between multiple national organizations working to end domestic violence, DVAP still focuses on shifting awareness to action during October and year-round. Their current campaign, #HealHoldCenter offers a universal message that we must embrace the many ways we can heal from violence, hold space for survivors, and center those most marginalized.

2)  Catch up on the new data reports you’ve been meaning to read.

We know staying on top of emerging issues and latest data can be challenging. Summer is an excellent time to catch up on your reading and see if new research and insights are available to use in your DVAM and evergreen materials.

Still trying to decide where to start? Here are some recommendations:

• National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Impact Reports, State Reports, and Territory Reports from the National Domestic Violence Hotline and love is respect
• When Men Murder Women: An Analysis of 2020 Homicide Data from the Violence Policy Center

3)  Book speakers, including survivors, for your in-person and virtual events.

October is a high-profile month in the domestic violence field, and many speakers find their calendars booked with events months in advance. This is true for professional, grassroots speakers, and survivor speakers are no exception. If you plan to have a keynote speaker or survivor speak at your community gathering, make plans to secure them sooner rather than later.

TIP: The Hotline’s  Speakers Bureau, a program transferred from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, can help connect you with a speaker for your event.

4) Start planning conversations with partners to reach specific communities.

An often-overlooked component of any awareness campaign is partnering with communities, especially those who need to see your campaign in its traditional outlets. Start the conversations now with organizations in your community that work with specific populations you’re seeking to reach –youth or older adults, LGBTQIA+ or Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), people with disabilities – now to find a way to partner together during October.

5)  Restock awareness materials from national resources.

Take an inventory of your current awareness materials and consider if upgrades or replenishments are needed for pamphlets, posters, and fact sheets. This also applies to any “SWAG stashes” you may keep on hand for events – think purple ribbons, logo items, etcetera. DVAP offers a wide range of free promotional materials you can order, download, and print locally.

6) Mark your calendars.

Mark these dates on your calendar now and join the larger conversation around them:

• First Monday in October: Day of Unity
• Third Thursday in October: Purple Thursday
• End of October: National Conference on Domestic Violence