October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), a national campaign dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence. Every October, organizations and individuals unite across the country to uplift the needs, voices, and experiences of survivors. In partnership with the Domestic Violence Awareness Project (DVAP), we build on the 2024 DVAM theme, Heal, Hold, and Center.
Heal, Hold & Center: A Path to Survivor Justice
As we work to end domestic violence this DVAM and beyond, we seek to embrace the many ways we can heal from violence, hold space for survivors, and center those most marginalized. In DVAM 2024, we build on this powerful theme by committing to:
- Healing from violence and oppression in many cultural ways.
- Holding space for survivors and their experiences.
- Centering those most marginalized in our efforts to end domestic violence.
We recognize that there is no survivor justice without racial justice. To truly support survivors, especially those navigating anti-Blackness and other systems of oppression, we must focus on inclusive, community-centered approaches.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call our 24/7 Toll-Free Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-877-633-1112
What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship. This can manifest in different ways, including physical, emotional and financial abuse and stalking. It affects individuals of every age, socio-economic status, orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality. The severity of violence is often greater in cases where the pattern of abuse was established in adolescence.
Domestic violence is prevalent in every community:
- 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men have experienced sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
- Girls and young women (ages 16-24) experience the highest rate of intimate partner violence.
- LGBTQ+ youth are more likely to face psychological abuse and sexual coercion than their straight peers.
- 50% of unsheltered women report domestic violence as the immediate cause of their homelessness.
How CRC is Addressing Domestic Violence
Intervention
Our goal is to provide safe shelter and resources to those requiring support in the following ways:
- 24/7 Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-877-633-1112
- Emergency Shelter – Carol’s House
- Transitional Housing
- Case Management and Legal Advocacy
- Therapeutic Children’s Center
- Rental Assistance
- Counseling
Education & Prevention
Our goal is to raise awareness about the harm caused by domestic violence and teach safe and healthy relationship skills to youth and adults in schools, community groups and professional settings through:
- 40-Hour and 4-Hour Domestic Violence Advocate Training Course
- CRC-hosted events
- Workshops and presentations
How You Can Get Involved
We believe that everyone has the power to make a difference. Whether you’re supporting a friend, family member, or your community, here are four impactful ways to help survivors on their path to healing, not just during this important month, but all year round.
1. Educate Yourself & Your Community
- Learn more about domestic violence, including the types of abuse, warning signs and how to create protective environments at home, work, and in the community.
- Share what you learn with your social circles to foster awareness and empathy. The more we know, the better equipped we are to support those in need.
- Invite CRC’s educators to present workshops on healthy relationships. Read more about our educational programs and resources in this North County Informador article featuring an interview with CRC’s Domestic Violence Prevention Education and Prevention Manager, Luis Canseco.
2. Support Survivors
- As we unite to raise awareness, it’s important to remember that healing from domestic violence is often a long and challenging journey.
- One of the most powerful things you can offer a domestic violence survivor is support. Here are some ways to support a survivor:
- Create a safe space for them to share their experiences without fear of judgment or blame.
- Let them express their feelings while validating their emotions.
- Many victims feel isolated and unheard; your willingness to listen can make a significant difference in their healing journey.
- Help them create a safety plan. (Source: National Domestic Violence Hotline)
3. Participate in DVAM 2024 Activities
- Join the National Call for Unity on social media using the hashtags: #HealHoldCenter, #NoSurvivorJusticeWithoutRacialJustice, #DVAM2024, and #CallforUnity.
- Share reflection prompts from the Heal, Hold & Center guide to encourage meaningful conversations in your community.
- Creat protective environments at schools, workplaces and neighborhoods: Invite CRC’s educators to present educational workshops for your school or community group.
- Share photos: On Purple Thursday, October 17, or any day this month, share photos of you wearing purple or holding an awareness sign.
Awareness Signs (Click the images to download):
4. Make a Gift:
- Donate to CRC to help our efforts to prevent domestic violence and help survivors of domestic violence.
- Donate items to support our emergency shelter and food pantry.
Events
#PurpleThursday
October 17, 2024: Wear purple to show your support for domestic violence survivors and commitment to ending abuse.
Relationship Awareness Workshops
October 17, 2024, 5:00 – 6:30 PM: Love Immersion Workshop
Register to attend Community Resource Center’s workshop series about self-love, healthy boundaries, and positive patterns and behaviors, designed to uplift your life.
Healing Through Art: Domestic Violence Awareness Gallery
Wednesday, October 30, 2024, 12:00 – 1:30 PM at San Diego State University
Hear from local artists as they share about how art has helped them heal.
