Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October 1 - October 31
About Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) takes place every October in the United States. The month-long campaign mourns those lost to domestic violence, celebrates survivors, and connects the advocates, professionals, and communities working to end abuse. Purple is the colour of the campaign, worn throughout October.
What is Domestic Violence Awareness Month?
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a national observance in the United States that runs throughout October. It was originally founded by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) and is now marked by federal agencies, state coalitions, local shelters, schools, faith communities, and workplaces across the country. The campaign focuses on three core themes: mourning those who have died as a result of domestic violence, celebrating survivors, and connecting those working to end abuse.
When is Domestic Violence Awareness Month?
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is observed every October. In 2026 it runs from Thursday 1 October to Saturday 31 October. Major moments within the month include the national Day of Unity on the first Monday of October, Purple Thursday (third Thursday of October), and statewide candlelight vigils. The official hashtag is #DVAM2026.
Why Domestic Violence Awareness Month Matters
Domestic violence affects millions of people each year in the United States and remains one of the most under-reported crimes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that around 1 in 4 women and nearly 1 in 10 men have experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner with reported impact such as injury, fear, or post-traumatic stress disorder. The National Domestic Violence Hotline receives more than 700,000 contacts per year, and shelters routinely turn people away because they are full. DVAM exists to keep these issues visible, to fund frontline services, and to push policy change such as gun violence restraining orders and stable housing for survivors.
How to Get Involved in Domestic Violence Awareness Month
There are many ways to take part, whether you are a survivor, advocate, employer, or community member:
- Wear purple on Purple Thursday – The third Thursday of October is a national day of action; wear purple, share photos online, and explain why you support survivors.
- Donate to a local shelter – Cash and gift cards give shelters maximum flexibility; many also publish wish lists for items such as nappies, clothing, and toiletries.
- Volunteer with a hotline or shelter – Trained volunteers staff hotlines, support court accompaniment programmes, and run children’s groups.
- Host a workplace lunch and learn – Use the month to brief HR teams on workplace safety planning, domestic violence leave, and how to refer colleagues to support.
- Attend a candlelight vigil – State coalitions and local shelters hold vigils to honour victims and survivors; many publish dates online during DVAM.
- Learn the signs of coercive control – Domestic abuse is not only physical; reading reputable resources helps friends, family, and colleagues recognise the warning signs.
- Push for policy change – Support reauthorisation of the Violence Against Women Act, full funding for the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, and gun safety measures that protect survivors.
History of Domestic Violence Awareness Month
The roots of Domestic Violence Awareness Month lie in October 1981, when the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence declared the first national Day of Unity on the second Monday of October. Advocates wore purple and gathered to remember victims, support survivors, and connect advocates working in isolation across the country. The single day quickly grew into a Week of Unity, with shelters, faith communities, and state coalitions each adding their own activities.
By 1987 the observance had expanded into a full month, with the first formal Domestic Violence Awareness Month held in October that year. Two years later, in 1989, the United States Congress passed Public Law 101-112, officially designating October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The law gave DVAM federal recognition and prompted presidential proclamations every year since. The Violence Against Women Act, first passed in 1994 and reauthorised several times, has been one of the most significant policy achievements driven by the survivors and advocates DVAM celebrates.
Noteworthy Facts About Domestic Violence Awareness Month
- The first national Day of Unity was held in October 1981, organised by the NCADV.
- The first full Domestic Violence Awareness Month took place in October 1987.
- Congress officially designated October as DVAM in 1989 through Public Law 101-112.
- Purple is the official colour of DVAM, chosen to align with women’s rights movements.
- Around 1 in 4 women and nearly 1 in 10 men in the US have experienced intimate partner violence with reported impact (CDC).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Domestic Violence Awareness Month?
A US-wide observance held every October that mourns those lost to domestic violence, celebrates survivors, and supports the advocates and services working to end abuse.
When is Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 2026?
From Thursday 1 October to Saturday 31 October 2026.
Who founded Domestic Violence Awareness Month?
It grew out of a 1981 Day of Unity organised by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) and was officially designated by the US Congress in 1989.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing Domestic Violence Awareness Month with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #DVAM and #DVAM2026 on social media. The more people who break the silence, the safer survivors become.
Related Awareness Days
- World Mental Health Day – Falls within DVAM and highlights the long-term mental health impact of abuse.
- World Elder Abuse Awareness Day – Tackles abuse against older people, often by family members.
- National Adoption Month – Another October observance focused on family wellbeing in the US.
Links
- Visit the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
2026 Awareness Days Wall Planner
Every key awareness day at a glance. Perfect for offices, staff rooms, and team planning.
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