October is the month that domestic violence awareness is primarily advertised and emphasized, as it is DVAM (domestic violence awareness month). While it is important to always be thinking of those who endure abuse in their everyday lives, October is an especially important month for all survivors and those in the helping professions. Here are five projects you can support this October!
1. Silent Witness Project
Taken directly from their website: "In 1990, the Silent Witness Initiative began promoting and education to support an end to domestic violence through community based exhibits. It started with a small group of volunteers in one state and grew into an international presence, with projects in all 50 states and 23 countries.
Silent Witness International is the leading voice that honors the lives of domestic violence homicide victims through family support, community connections, and advocacy for change."
2. Clothesline Project
Again, taken right from the website: "The Clothesline Project provides evidence that incest, domestic violence, and sexual violence exists in our communities. It is a visual reminder of statistics that we often ignore. It gives a voice to those who have been forcibly silenced. Hopefully, it stirs us to action. A public must be informed about violence in order to act to prevent it. Information on how to recognize and prevent violence, reach out to survivors, and make a difference in the community is provided at each display of the project. Most importantly, this project provides survivors with a venue to courageously break the silence and make us aware. This Clothesline Project is a tribute to them."
3. White Ribbon Campaign
This is for the men and boys out there; "Since 1991 men have worn white ribbons as a pledge to never commit,
condone or remain silent about violence against women and girls." This quote comes from their website, which includes links to other smaller projects, campaigns, and initiatives.
4. The Pledge Project
Their homepage states "The Pledge Project is an opportunity for people to pledge their commitment to anti-violence initiatives. By putting handprints on the banner, participants are creating a visual statement against violence and declaring that they will not use their hands to hurt another person."
