Domestic Violence Awareness Month

 October 2012 is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

 Nebraska’s 21 Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault programs and NDVSAC are taking a stand and letting our voices be heard along with other state coalitions and other domestic violence and sexual assault programs across the United States in recognition of domestic violence awareness month.

 

Domestic Violence  Awareness Month

History

DVAM evolved from the first Day of Unity  observed in October 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence  (NCADV). The intent was to connect battered women’s advocates across the nation  who were working to end violence against women and their children. The Day of  Unity soon became a special week when a range of activities was conducted at the local, state and  national levels.

These activities were as varied and diverse as  the program sponsors but had a common theme:

  • mourning those who died as a  result of domestic violence
  • honoring those who have survived  domestic violence
  • connecting those who work to end  domestic violence

In October 1987, the  first national Domestic Violence Awareness Month was held. In conjunction, that  same year the first national toll-free hotline was begun. In 1989, Congress  passed the first DVAM commemorative legislation. Such legislation has been  passed every year since 1989. The Day of Unity is now celebrated the first  Monday in October.

Events

- Click here for suggested community events

- Click here for facts on Domestic Violence

- Click here for Lethality Risk Factors for Domestic Violence issues

- Click here for Nebraska’s calendar of events