Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Our theme this year is Taking Root. In the same way trees sustain each other through a network of roots, moving resources where needed most, survivors depend on networks of people and resources to flee the abuse and begin to heal.
THURSDAY, OCT 15
Purple Thursday
Save the date! This is a national day of wearing purple to identify yourself as an advocate for survivors! Put on purple shirts, pants, ties, and more to show your support and raise awareness and call for an end to domestic violence. Learn more.
ANYTIME DURING OCTOBER
Chalk the Walk
Write messages rooted in support for survivors and raise awareness of services on sidewalks across the community! A meaningful way for schools, colleges, and small businesses to participate! Learn more.
THIS MONTH & BEYOND
Five Flyer Challenge
Print and hang flyers with our tear-away hotline number to raise awareness about services available. Pin the flyer on bulletin boards while you’re out and about at coffee shops, gyms, and libraries. Learn more.
EVERYDAY
Faith Considerations & Connections
Safety takes root in faith communities that are informed about the dynamics of abuse. Visit our page with resources to raise awareness and start conversations during the month. Learn more.
EVERY OCTOBER
Cartober
Cartober is a month-long initiative to encourage vehicle donations to support charitable causes like ours. Your old car, truck, motorcyle, boat, or other vehicle can support services for survivors! Learn more.
Sunday, October 4
UK Alpha Chi and Sigma Nu are hosting their annual Paint Wars on UK’s campus. Last year they raised over $20,000 to support survivors!
Tuesday, October 6
Advocate Anne Hodge will be on WCYN radio at 9:10 am.
Tuesday, October 6
Spero Health tabling in Cynthiana. More details to come.
Wednesday, October 14
Sherry Currens Award Press Conference with ZeroV. More details to come.
Thursday, October 15
It’s Purple Thursday! This is a national day of wearing purple to identify yourself as an advocate for survivors! Put on purple shirts, pants, ties, and more to show your support and raise awareness and call for an end to domestic violence. Make sure to tag us on Facebook and Instagram so we can share your support! More details here.
Saturday, October 17
We will have a table at the 35th Arboretum Arbor Day celebration from 10 am to 5 pm. More details here.
Thursday, October 22
Rise Up: A Survivor’s Tribute hosted by the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office. More details to come.
Tuesday, October 27
Become a Community Connector and represent our organization at local events, share resources, and help others stay informed and connected. We’re hosting a training to welcome a new class of Community Connectors at our emergency shelter from 6 pm to 8 pm. More details here.
ROOTS OF VIOLENCE
Abusers use purposeful tactics to gain and maintain control, including isolation, gaslighting, and economic abuse. It often begins slowly, making the pattern difficult to recognize. As coercive control increases, a victim has fewer choices and less freedom.
ROOTING OUT ABUSE
The signs of intimate partner abuse often appear gradually and can be difficult to identify. What looks like a small or unrelated change may be part of a larger pattern of abuse.
A friend, coworker, or loved one may become more isolated, anxious, or withdrawn. Unexplained injuries, frequent absences, and limited communication are common.
SUPPORT TAKES ROOT
Talk openly about domestic violence in your circle of influence to identify yourself as someone who supports survivors.
If you are concerned about someone, ask how they are doing and give them room to talk about what is happening. Understand that leaving can be the most dangerous time because the abuser is losing power and control.
It is also imporant to remember that the person being abused is the expert of their own experience. They have been witness to the patterns and can determine the risks better than you.
Know what resources are available, so you are ready to help when asked.
