Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the “Day of Unity” held in October 1981 and conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The “Day of Unity” 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. Such legislation has been passed each year since.

During this time, we acknowledge domestic violence survivors and serve as the voices for its victims. If you or someone you know is in such a situation or if you would like to support others who are navigating through a domestic violence situation, we encourage you to seek assistance from the organizations below.

National Domestic Violence Hotline
Help and support for individuals in a domestic violence situation.
https://www.thehotline.org/ 

District Alliance for Safe Housing (DASH)
Assists domestic violence survivors in finding safe housing options.
https://dashdc.org/

House of Ruth
Offers support services to domestic violene survivors
https://houseofruth.org/

DC Safe—a program for domestic violence survivors (located in the DC Family Court building)
https://www.dcsafe.org/programs-1

Stop the Silence List of Domestic Violence Resources guide (select the image below to view)