DVAM 2026: With Survivors, Always

Show Your Support

The month of October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) and a time to honor survivors, remember those we’ve lost, and recommit to a future free from abuse. Whether you’re a survivor, an advocate, or someone who cares, your voice helps make sure no one faces abuse alone.

If you’d like to honor a loved one or view our memorial, please visit Remember My Name for more information.

There are two particularly special ways to show your support this DVAM: Day of Unity on Monday, Oct. 5 and Wear Purple Day on Thursday, Oct. 15.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Day of Unity and Wear Purple Day

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

#DVAM 2026
First Monday of October

Day of Unity

Where DVAM began in 1981. Together we mourn those lost to domestic violence, celebrate survivors, and connect everyone working to end abuse.

Join us: Monday, October 5
Purple Thursday

Wear Purple Day

Wear purple to show survivors they are not alone. Purple stands for peace, courage, survival and our commitment to ending abuse.

Snap a photo and tag #PurpleThursday

Get Involved

This month we’re offering a variety of webinars to help keep the community informed, teach practical skills, and build connections among everyone working to end domestic violence. Experts and partners will cover pet-inclusive services, survivor storytelling, caregiver support, and what it looks like to reach out to The Hotline. Each session is free, and all are welcome. Save your spot below.

DVAM 2026 Webinars

Wed. Oct. 7, 1 p.m. CT

DV and Pets: Advancing Safety and Healing

The human-animal bond will be explored with the movement toward pet-inclusive services and housing for survivors.

Register Today! Tue. Oct. 13, 12 p.m. CT

How to Share Your Story as a DV Survivor

Learn how to share your story in a way that feels authentic, purposeful and true to you with storytelling expert Richard Reyes.

Register Today! Thu. Oct. 22, 1 p.m CT

Elizabeth Dole Foundation

Recognizing what DV and IPV can look like and how caregivers can access help when needed.

Register Today! Wed. Oct 28, 9 a.m. CT

NYCHA: Invisible Wounds

What does it look like to connect with The Hotline? Including an overview of support services, safety planning, and resources.

Registration Coming Soon

The Hotline Advocates

This Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), we decided to shine a light on the people who answer when survivors reach out. Every day of the year, Hotline advocates answer calls, chats, and texts with compassion, safety planning, and connection to local resources. We took our first call in 1996 and answered our 8 millionth contact on July 29, 2027. During DVAM, as awareness grows, so does the number of people reaching out for the first time.

Meet two of those advocates. One has been answering calls for 30 years, since The Hotline’s earliest days. The other joined just four years ago. Together, their stories show what hasn’t changed across three decades: the belief that every survivor deserves to be heard, believed, and supported.

Our advocates are here around the clock, every day of the year. If you need support, call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text START to 88788, or chat live at thehotline.org.

 

DVAM 2026 donor callout

Be there for the next survivor who reaches out

Hotline advocates answer calls, chats and texts around the clock, every day of the year. Your gift this DVAM helps make sure someone is always there to answer.

Give today Give in honor of a survivor

Additional Resources

The following materials are available for you to review, download, or print and utilize at your convenience.