October Is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

10/02/2023

This blog includes mention of sensitive topics, such as sexual violence, relationship violence, dating violence, and domestic violence. Please exercise care while reading.

Each October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is recognized to honor those impacted by, encourage educational advocacy for, and support an end to domestic violence. The National Domestic Violence Hotline shares the purpose of DVAM as “a chance for anyone and everyone to unite in the work to end domestic violence.” The Hotline also “invite[s] advocates, loved ones, supporters, and political leaders to join together in solidarity to listen to and uplift survivors directly. With so many people speaking in a unified voice throughout October, we can raise our collective awareness about domestic violence to end abuse for good.”

Theta’s college chapter officers are provided with resources that define and share statistics outlining the way domestic violence impacts our campuses and communities today:

“Relationship violence specifically occurs within the context of romantic relationships, where a partner experiences one or more forms of abuse that may be physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, or economic in nature. This may also be referred to as dating violence, domestic violence, or intimate partner violence.”

More than one in three women, nearly one in three men, and more than one in two transgender or gender non-conforming people will experience relationship abuse. – Centers for Disease Control
Over 40% of dating college women experience violent or abusive relationship behaviors. – Love is Respect

Anyone can experience violence, regardless of their gender identity or expression, sexual identity, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, age, or national origin. However, some individuals may be more likely to experience gender-based violence based on the identities that they hold. As we talk about violence prevention and supporting survivors, it is important to consider how this issue uniquely affects certain marginalized communities at higher rates.

This October, and all year long, Theta encourages members to act and engage with prevention resources. As you do so, be sure to utilize content created by subject matter experts—like the ones linked below—and refer survivors to trained professionals when appropriate.