By Linley Beckbridge, Doorways for Women and Families
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). Some may wonder: Is awareness enough? As #MeToo—created 10 years ago by Tarana Burke—experiences a viral resurgence following other hashtags like #YesAllWomen and #WhyIStayed, what happens beyond the social media trend? What can awareness do?
Consider this: If someone in your life were experiencing abuse, would they know where to go for help? Do you think they’d feel safe coming to you to talk about it?
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). Some may wonder: Is awareness enough? As #MeToo—created 10 years ago by Tarana Burke—experiences a viral resurgence following other hashtags like #YesAllWomen and #WhyIStayed, what happens beyond the social media trend? What can awareness do?
Consider this: If someone in your life were experiencing abuse, would they know where to go for help? Do you think they’d feel safe coming to you to talk about it?
So much about abuse leaves victims isolated and feeling very alone. Awareness can bridge the gap between survivors and the support they need. Awareness can also break through pervasive myths. It can demonstrate what abuse is: a way for abusers to maintain power and control, as well as what it isn’t: the survivor’s fault. Awareness shows survivors that there are paths they can take out of abuse.
Awareness can help survivors access programs and services like those we provide at Doorways, empowering them to heal and create brighter futures for themselves and their families. It can also bring critical funding to enable us to support more survivors on their journeys. Most importantly, it can remind our neighbors that domestic violence happens here in our community, and it’s on us to address it.
As it turns out, awareness, as simple as it may seem, can do a lot.
What’s next: How do we move beyond awareness to action?
By building on our awareness, we can take meaningful action to show survivors they’re not alone and that support is available. We can offer support in ways big and small, online and offline. Here are three simple but powerful ways to take action during and beyond DVAM:
How does action make an impact?
“While difficult to believe, there are thousands of women, men and children right here in our prosperous community who, to achieve a brighter future, need a safe place to call home and the help of committed and compassionate professionals,” said Michelle Sagatov of the Michelle Sagatov Group, co-chair for Doorways’ Campaign for Brighter Futures. “The challenges they face don’t always get the most attention, and often times, their voices are not heard. But these challenges, while profound and complex, can be overcome.”
Hear from a few of Doorways’ clients to learn how your support empowers survivors to achieve the brightest possible future in this video.
How does action make an impact?
“While difficult to believe, there are thousands of women, men and children right here in our prosperous community who, to achieve a brighter future, need a safe place to call home and the help of committed and compassionate professionals,” said Michelle Sagatov of the Michelle Sagatov Group, co-chair for Doorways’ Campaign for Brighter Futures. “The challenges they face don’t always get the most attention, and often times, their voices are not heard. But these challenges, while profound and complex, can be overcome.”
Hear from a few of Doorways’ clients to learn how your support empowers survivors to achieve the brightest possible future in this video.
Awareness can help survivors access programs and services like those we provide at Doorways, empowering them to heal and create brighter futures for themselves and their families. It can also bring critical funding to enable us to support more survivors on their journeys. Most importantly, it can remind our neighbors that domestic violence happens here in our community, and it’s on us to address it.
As it turns out, awareness, as simple as it may seem, can do a lot.
What’s next: How do we move beyond awareness to action?
By building on our awareness, we can take meaningful action to show survivors they’re not alone and that support is available. We can offer support in ways big and small, online and offline. Here are three simple but powerful ways to take action during and beyond DVAM:
- Spread the word: Messages on social media can help provide information to a survivor who is questioning the health of their relationship, as well as resources to explore those questions more. Follow Doorways and similar organizations on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for important news, information and resources. Share posts you find interesting or impactful, especially when you learn something you didn’t know before.
- Learn how to support a survivor: In all likelihood, you know someone who is currently experiencing abuse or has in the past. You may be the first person to recognize your loved one is not safe. See our tips on how to respond to survivors to learn more.
- Attend an event: Show your support and help raise awareness about domestic violence here. Learn more about events and opportunities here.
How does action make an impact?
“While difficult to believe, there are thousands of women, men and children right here in our prosperous community who, to achieve a brighter future, need a safe place to call home and the help of committed and compassionate professionals,” said Michelle Sagatov of the Michelle Sagatov Group, co-chair for Doorways’ Campaign for Brighter Futures. “The challenges they face don’t always get the most attention, and often times, their voices are not heard. But these challenges, while profound and complex, can be overcome.”
Hear from a few of Doorways’ clients to learn how your support empowers survivors to achieve the brightest possible future in this video.
How does action make an impact?
“While difficult to believe, there are thousands of women, men and children right here in our prosperous community who, to achieve a brighter future, need a safe place to call home and the help of committed and compassionate professionals,” said Michelle Sagatov of the Michelle Sagatov Group, co-chair for Doorways’ Campaign for Brighter Futures. “The challenges they face don’t always get the most attention, and often times, their voices are not heard. But these challenges, while profound and complex, can be overcome.”
Hear from a few of Doorways’ clients to learn how your support empowers survivors to achieve the brightest possible future in this video.
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