National Domestic Violence Awareness Month is recognized each October through educational events, community gatherings, and support groups. Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the “Day of Unity” held in October 1981 and conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The intent behind the “Day of Unity” was to connect advocates across the nation in their work to end domestic violence. This event soon evolved into a week, and in October of 1987, the first National Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. In 1989 Congress passed Public Law 101-112, officially designating October of that year as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that 1.3 million women and 835,000 men are victims of physical violence by a partner every year. 30 Shocking Domestic Violence Statistics That Remind Us It’s An Epidemic, an article published in the Huffington Post, shared that the number of women who were murdered by current or ex-male partners between 2001 – 2012 was 11,766, nearly twice the number of U.S. troops killed in Afghanistan and Iraq between that same time frame. In addition to being more likely to experience domestic violence, persons of color may also find it more difficult to seek help due in part to cultural or religious views, distrust of law enforcement, racism and/or classism.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, please go to the National Domestic Violence Hotline for help. If you are in danger, call 911.
Take Action:
- Additional Resources:
- Attach the domestic violence awareness month design elements to your email signature and/or use it in your social media
For additional education and personal development related to diversity, equity and inclusion, the following resources are available: DEI Education and Resources, DEI & Antiracism Resources from the UNC Libraries, the Education Equity Toolkit from the Colorado Department of Higher Education, and the UNITE workshops for faculty, staff, and students.
