October is national Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

There are many ways that you can commemorate national Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  Here are a few suggestions:

Be Ready to Make a Referral.
Know the Kansas Crisis Hotline, 888-END-ABUSE, and know what services exist for victims in your community.  Share this information with others.

Be Aware of Situations Unfolding Around You.
Learn how to look and listen, and learn how to start a conversation with someone that you suspect is a victim.  Click here to find out how.

Attend a Community Event.
Communities across the state will be hosting a variety of events and activities in October.  Click here to find an event in your community.

Donate to Your Local Advocacy Program. 
If you have time or resources to spare, contact your local domestic violence program to find out about their immediate priorities, long-term needs, and volunteer opportunities.   

Talk to Children/Teens About Healthy Relationships.
Talk to your child or a child that you mentor about what dating violence looks like and what a healthy relationship looks like.  Click here to find out how.  Ask if he/she knows a victim of dating violence.  You might be surprised by the answer.

Remember Lives Lost.
Tragically, domestic violence related homicides happen every year in Kansas.  These deaths impact not only the victim's family, but all who had a relationship with that victim, including friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Click here to read more about lethality in Kansas.

Advocate for Change in Your Community.
Click here to find out how you can encourage your community to work together to provide safety and support for victims.

October Events October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Click here to find activities in your community.

DVAM Celebrates Milestones in 2009

This year, Domestic Violence Awareness Month is particularly meaningful.  The movement against domestic abuse is celebrating the 15^th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act, originally authored by then-Senator Joe Biden, and the 25^th anniversary of the Family Violence Prevention & Services Act. 

Both critical federal laws provide funding for victim services and the justice system’s responses to intimate partner abuse.  Click here to read the Presidential Proclamation.