Last October, I was working at a domestic violence nonprofit, helping design marketing campaigns for Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). I wrote captions about empowerment, created survivor-focused content, and scheduled purple-ribbon posts that said “love shouldn’t hurt.”

I never imagined that just a year later, I would be living those words — not behind a desk, but from the inside out.

Today, I’m not creating campaigns. I’m recovering and empowering others along the way. I finally understand why Domestic Violence Awareness matters more than ever and am committed to spreading awareness and resources.

What Is Domestic Violence Awareness Month?

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is observed every October. It began in 1981 as a Day of Unity for advocates and survivors working to end domestic violence. Today, it’s a nationwide movement dedicated to:

• Honoring survivors
• Raising awareness about all forms of abuse — physical, emotional, financial, digital
• Educating communities about warning signs
• Encouraging prevention and safe love

The color purple symbolizes courage, survival, and peace — and during October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) you’ll see it on ribbons, campaigns, and events across the country.

Helping Survivors Tell Their Stories

At the nonprofit, I helped craft survivor campaigns — we told stories of hope, safety, and starting over. I remember editing a quote that said, “Leaving isn’t the end of the story; it’s the beginning of freedom.”

I believed it with all my heart. I just didn’t realize how much I would need those words for myself.

Working in that space opened my eyes to how complex abuse can be — how there is no discrimination of who can be a victim of abuse. Domestic violence affects all genders, all socioeconomic backgrounds, all cultures, and all ages. A victim can be high-functioning, educated, outwardly confident, and still deeply entangled in unhealthy dynamics.

Walking Through My Own Healing

Domestic Violence Awareness looks different for me now. I’m not managing a marketing campaign to share survivor stories and resources for a non-profit, I’m unraveling the unhealthy dynamics I was looped in and piecing myself back together after an abrupt ending of pain, confusion, and fear.

I’m sharing resources about domestic violence to empower others all while remembering my worth, rebuilding my peace, and redefining love.

Why Domestic Violence Awareness Matters

Domestic Violence Awareness is important because abuse doesn’t just happen to “other people.” It happens to co-workers, sisters, mothers, best friends, and people who seem to have it all together.

It happens quietly — through manipulation, gaslighting, and emotional exhaustion — before it turns physical.

DVAM matters because awareness saves lives.

When we talk openly about abuse, we break the silence that allows it to grow. When survivors share their stories, other survivors start to find their path to healing.

When we educate ourselves about healthy relationships, we stop normalizing pain and tolerating things that ARE NOT OK.

What You Can Do To Spread Awareness

• Wear Purple: Show support and spark conversations.
• Share Resources: Post the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE / thehotline.org).
• Donate or Volunteer: Support local shelters or advocacy programs.
• Educate Yourself: Learn the signs of emotional abuse and trauma bonding.
• Listen and Share Without Judgment: Sometimes the most healing thing you can do is share your story or listen to someone else’s and say, “I believe you.”

Domestic Violence Awareness isn’t just a campaign — it’s a reminder that healing is awareness in action.

To every survivor reading this:

You are not alone. You are not broken for what you went through. You will get through this.

You are brave. You are courageous for choosing to love and heal. If there is anything you take away from this, know that you will be okay. I promise you that hope and peace are waiting for you.

If you ever feel unsafe, please reach out to one of the resources below immediately. Tell someone what you are going through. You deserve peace, protection, and a future free from fear.

✨ Healing is not linear — but it is possible. Every step you take toward your safety and self-worth matters.

💜 Resources

• 💬 Love Is Respect: Confidential support for young people navigating dating and relationships. Chat, call, or text “LOVEIS” to 22522.
• 📞 The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 24/7 confidential support via phone (1-800-799-SAFE) or text “START” to 88788.
• 💌 One Love Foundation: Tools and stories to help you understand healthy vs. unhealthy relationships.
• 🏠 DomesticShelters.org: Find verified local shelters, support groups, and emergency housing near you.
• ⚖️ WomensLaw.org: Legal information about protection orders, custody, and family court — available by state.
• 🌿 Futures Without Violence: Education and advocacy for preventing domestic and sexual violence.
• 🧡 StrongHearts Native Helpline: A safe, confidential space for Native Americans — call 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483).

If you or someone you love is experiencing relationship abuse, you are not alone — and help is available 24/7. Healing starts with safety and support.

✨ Want more healing tips? I’m here to support your journey, schedule an integrative wellness session today.

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