DVAM 2023
Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Heal, Hold, and Center
History
What initially began as a day intended to “celebrate those who have survived, and connecting those who work to end violence” (NCADV, 2022), the “Day of Unity” soon evolved into an entire week devoted to a range of activities conducted at the local, state, and national level. Continuing to pick up traction, in October of 1987, the first National Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed.
Background
Domestic violence “also known as intimate partner or relationship abuse, a pattern of behaviors used by one person to maintain power & control over another person in an intimate or family relationship. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, threats, financial abuse, and emotional abuse” (NCADV, 2022). While Domestic violence (also known as intimate partner violence) pervades all cultures, religions, gender and sexual identities, domestic violence disproportionately impacts BIPOC women. As Arlington County continues to embed racial equity in its footprint, it is vital to be cognizant of and acknowledge communities that have historically experienced domestic violence at radically higher rates, namely BIPOC women and girls, only to be retraumatized through oppressive and inequitable service delivery. Together, through Arlington's commitment to race and equity, we can forge a new system of service delivery that aims to eradicate all oppression to achieve the justice every survivor deserves.
Take Action:
You and/or your agency can directly show support by:
Participate in our Learning Opportunities Throughout the Month:
10/04 Askable Adult Workshop at the Central Library: Join Project PEACE and the Libraries for a 3-hour interactive workshop for adults. The Becoming More Askable workshop aims to prepare any adult who supports youth by helping them identify the tools, language and strategies that foster a safe space for youth to feel empowered to discuss issues important to them.
Weekly Thursday's at 12p: Lunch and Learns
- 10/05 Bystander Intervention for Helpers: Domestic violence can happen to anyone, even the helpers. Join us to learn how you can support the helpers in your life (colleagues, friends, family) who may be struggling to leave an unhealthy or unsafe relationship. Presented by Doorways and Project PEACE.
- 10/12 Why Do People Hurt Their Partners? Domestic violence is a relationship choice. Join Arlington’s Partner/SHIFT program as they explore why someone would cause harm or seek to control their partner and the resources available in Arlington for those who want to strengthen their relationship skills. Presented by Partner/SHIFT.
- 10/19 Supporting South Asian and Immigrant Survivors: Join us as we explore how best to support South Asian and Immigrant survivors of Intimate Partner Violence. Learn how to support those who disclose harm and access local, culturally holistic resources. Presented by Ashiyanaa.
- 10/26 We Support Safe Homes: A training for Childcare Providers: Children who witness domestic violence are at serious risk for long-term physical and mental health problems. Those who work with children and families may have unique opportunities intervene. This 2-hour, interactive training, prepares childcare providers to recognize and respond to children and families experiencing domestic violence. Presented by Project PEACE.
10/06 and 10/13 Boundaries and Doorways
This two-part *virtual* course on interpersonal communication will give you a few tools to help deconstruct societal expectations, learn how to set and respect boundaries, better understand consent, and build relationships with others that are respectful, safe, and supportive. Please note: These sessions build upon one another and you will need to attend both sessions to engage fully. Upon completing both Part 1 and Part 2 you will earn a certificate.
Awareness Raising and Survivor Honoring
10/07 Dance for DVAM to Support DVRP: In honor of DVAM, the Domestic Violence Resource Project (DVRP) and Doonya and Dholi invites you to a Bollywood dance workout fundraiser. Join them in-person at the Festival Center (1640 Columbia Rd. NW, DC) as they raise funds and awareness for DVRP and Asian Pacific Islander survivors.
10/19 Purple Thursday: We all have a role in promoting healthy relationships and safe homes in our community. Join us in elevating this message with PURPLE on Thursday, October 19th. Below are ways to participate:
- Wear Purple for Domestic Violence Awareness Day, also known as #PurpleThursday.
- Use wearing purple as a conversation starter and share why ending domestic violence is important to you and for our community.
- Share photos of you wearing purple with Project PEACE on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Twitter using the hashtags #PurpleThursday, #PurpleThursdayArlington, and #DVAM2023
- Low on purple?! Project PEACE has got you covered! In the days leading up to Purple Thursday, PEACE will be delivering a purple goodie to our partner agencies to join in on the fun.
Clothesline Project: The Clothesline Project originated with 31 shirts in Hyannis, Massachusetts in 1990 through the Cape Cod Women's Agenda. A small group of women, many of whom had experienced violence in their own lives, designed the visual monument to help transform staggering statistics about violence against women and children into a powerful educational and healing tool. They decided to use a clothesline after discussing how many women in close-knit neighborhoods have traditionally exchanged information over backyard fences while hanging laundry out to dry. Join Doorways in our own community recreation of the Clothesline Project at the following locations. No need to be a survivor to participate. ALL are welcome!
- October 3rd, Pupusas con la Policia, 5-7pm @ Sofia's Pupuseria, 3610 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204
- October 11th, National Coming Out Event, 6-9pm @ Central Library 1015 N Quincy St, Arlington, VA 22201
- October 19th, Culpepper Garden Senior Center 1-4pm @ 4435 N Pershing Dr #514, Arlington, VA 22203
- October 20th, Sex Ed Trivia 1-3pm @ Marymount University 2807 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22207
- October 23rd, AHC Apex Apartments 6-8pm @ 2910 S Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22206
#PutTheNailIn: Created by Safe Horizon, the #PutTheNailInItcampaign inspires everyday individuals to do their part to end domestic violence, opening up conversations about this urgent issue. By painting their ring fingernail purple, community members vow to help spread awareness of domestic violence. Painting of the nail is also a sign that the individual has donated to Safe Horizon to support programs and services for survivors of domestic violence.
Amplifying social media messages by sharing the content already prepared on our social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) with your own networks all month long, especially during #31DaysofDVAM.
P.S. Tell us about your experience accessing services in Arlington.
Click here to access the 2023 Safe Homes, Safe Relationships Survey.(Survey available in English and Spanish/encuesta disponible en inglés y español)
Everyone deserves to be safe at home and in their relationships. When someone in our community is not safe and is being hurt by their partner, there are resources to help. Please consider taking the survey to share your experience using, looking for, or referring people to resources for those impacted by domestic/intimate partner/dating violence and sexual assault in Arlington County. While the survey works best on a computer, you may also use a mobile device.
Questions in the survey ask about your experience, or the experiences of people you know, and could bring up strong emotions. It is your choice how many, and which questions you answer. If you need support at any time, please call the Doorways Domestic and Sexual Violence hotline available 24-hours a day at 703-237-0881.
This survey was created by Project PEACE, Arlington’s Coordinated Community Response, in order to understand how Arlington community members have, or have not, accessed local support. This survey is confidential and results will be analyzed by Project PEACE and their members to enhance and improve services for everyone in the county. Questions? Call or email: 703-228-5003 or info-projectpeace@arlingtonva.us
Resources
If you or someone you know has been impacted by intimate partner or sexual violence you are not alone. We are here to help.
- For Arlington resources click here.
- For Alexandria resources click here.
- For Fairfax resources click here.
- For Loudoun resources click here.
- For JCADA resources and support click here.
Materials
Sexual and Domestic Violence Resources
Sexual and Domestic Violence Resources
Resources for Adults Supporting Youth
The materials above are free to download and use. To request pre-printed versions please email info-projectPEACE@arlingtonva.us