Wear purple to stand in solidarity with survivors of domestic violence. Tag @DASHDC and #PurpleThursday. Interested in hosting a fundraiser for Purple Thursday? Contact Jasmine at 202-462-3274 x227.
DVAM
5 Ways to Participate in Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month! Take action this October to show your dedication to ending domestic violence in your community.
1. Donate to a local domestic violence shelter
Many women escaping abuse fall into homelessness or remain in abusive situations because of the scarcity of safe housing. At domestic violence shelters, such as DASH, safe housing is provided so victims don’t have to choose between living with their abusers or being homeless. Consider making a donation to DASH safe housing today!
2. Buy Your Ticket to BalderDASH on October 30th
BalderDASH is a fun, lively evening reception to celebrate DASH’s impact as DC’s largest dedicated safe housing provider for survivors. BalderDASH is held each year in October and will take place this year on October 30th at the Mansion on O Street. Tickets include a tour of the unique venue (and many secret passageways), a jazz quartet and refreshments. Buy your ticket before they run out!
3. Can’t come to BalderDASH? Find another event!
Check out the DC Domestic Violence Awareness Month Calendar coordinated by the DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The calendar includes everything from marches to dance parties all organized by local organizations committed to ending domestic violence in the District.
4. Wear Purple on October 23rd for Purple Thursday
October 23rd is Purple Thursday, a day to raise awareness of about domestic violence as an office, a family or an organization. Wear your brightest purple and post a photo with the caption #SpeadtheLoveDC. Register here.
5. Engage with DASH on Social Media
Follow us on Twitter or Facebook to join in the conversation and share messages of hope that domestic violence is unacceptable and that all survivors deserve a chance to rebuild their lives on their own terms.
6 things you need to understand about domestic violence
1. Domestic violence is all about one person maintaining power and control over another. It isn’t a one-time loss of temper, it’s a pattern of intentional abuse.
2. Domestic violence isn’t just physical abuse, it’s emotional, psychological, financial and sexual. Domestic violence is put downs, threats, isolation and jealousy.
3. Domestic violence does not discriminate, it occurs in every occupation and income level, across all races, sexual preferences and gender identities, and in every family type.
4. Domestic violence is a learned behavior. It isn’t caused by alcohol abuse, anger management or stress. Abusers see it growing up, in their community, family, peer group or school.
5. Don’t ask, “why doesn’t she just leave.” Questioning the intentions and actions of victims of domestic violence contributes to a culture in which victims are blamed for their abuse, instead of abusers.
6. There is no right way to be a survivor of domestic violence. Every person has a different experience with abuse and deserves support and respect as they make their own choices regarding their relationship.
October is domestic violence awareness month. Purchase something from the DASH Amazon Wish List to directly impact a survivor of abuse and their family.
