| Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2026: With Survivors, Always |
Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is a national campaign observed each October that is dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence. During DVAM, organizations and individuals come together to uplift the voices, needs and experiences of domestic violence survivors.
Last year’s theme was “With Survivors, Always,” which explored what it means to be in partnership with survivors toward safety, support and solidarity. This year, we’re carrying that momentum, with a deepened focus on action. Across the United States, we’re seeing violence minimized, cuts to the services families rely upon, and increased barriers to safety for survivors and their children. Survivors deserve action.
This year, the FBI released a Domestic Violence Special Report that found that “[over] the five-year period studied, the percentage of violence crimes within domestic relationships increased. Law enforcement reported more than 11,000 domestic violence murder victims and an additional 1.1 million victims of domestic violence. Nearly 75 percent of the victims were female.”
Checking In Matters
If you’re worried about someone, reaching out can make a real difference. Choose a private, safe moment to talk. Let them know you care and that you’re there to listen, without judgment or pressure. Believe what they share, and respect their choices, even if they’re not ready to leave. Survivors know their own situations best, and leaving can be the most dangerous time. Offer resources, stay connected and remind them they are not alone.
Resources
- InterAct of Wake County provides free, confidential support including a 24-hour crisis line, emergency shelter, court advocacy and counseling. Crisis line: 919-828-7740. Spanish: 844-203-8896.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-7233, text START to 88788, or chat at thehotline.org, available 24/7.
- The North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence offers resources, education and a directory for services for all 100 counties across North Carolina.