Welcome, October! Welcome to pumpkin spice, cool costumes, parties, caramel apples, and pumpkin patch visits.
The fun of October has officially begun.
There’s a serious note to this month as well that is close to my heart.
It’s National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. As a domestic violence survivor turned advocate and voice for victims, this month is the prime time to spark conversations and raise our voices louder than ever to bring awareness to this epidemic.
Although I advocate all year long, this year I decided to share the stories of others and do my best to participate in Blogtober, which is posting a blog post every day throughout October.
That’s quite a feat but I’m going to really try because every day that I post will share more stories and information about domestic violence, which is a huge part of why my blog even exists.
Has your life in any way, directly or indirectly, been affected by domestic violence? If you’re willing, please contact me through the contact page here on my blog and share your story or simply comment “yes” or “I’m a survivor” to this post. Know that your identity will be protected if you prefer. If you choose to share your story, I can change your name and details so your identity remains private.
Here are five things you can do this month to help the cause:
Volunteer at a Shelter: If there is a shelter for victims of domestic violence in or near your area, consider volunteering. There are many areas in which to serve, sometimes even babysitting in the facility or cooking meals and many things in between. These shelters are so important as they provide safe refuge for the women and children of domestic violence.
Send Donations: Send financial donations to shelters and other agencies whose mission is to help victims of domestic violence. Often facilities of this type are on a tight budget and everything helps. Fundraisers are likely to be held during October to benefit shelters. Look for one and show your support.
Share Your Story: Are you a survivor? Consider sharing your story. I’ve found that sharing mine has brought some healing to myself, but it also has encouraged others who have survived as well. Plus, the more stories shared, the more awareness is created.
Read and Share Others’ Stories: When you see survivors bravely post their stories this month, share them. Sharing them validates the survivor but also, again, raises more awareness of the depth of this epidemic.
Educate Yourself: Many people don’t realize the layers and complexities of domestic violence and all of the kinds of abuse it can include. Spend some time reading articles about the experiences of others and the nuances of their abusive relationships. Note any red flags, types of abuse used to oppress victims, and ways the abusers are “clever” about how they abuse so others don’t discover them.
This is an important month. There will be rallies and fundraisers. Stories will be shared in silent celebration for those who got out alive. Please do what you can to raise your voice for awareness. Also, the color for domestic violence awareness is purple, so wear it in support!
I am a survivor,
Visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 800-799-7233.
