7 Ways to Participate in Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is in full swing! Are you looking for ways to participate? Here are 10 things you can do: 1. Tell people! Talking about domestic violence takes away the shame and stigma that allows abuse to thrive. Say to a friend, “Hey, did you know October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month?” Share Safeline's Facebook posts! 2. Show your support! Purple is the color of DVAM! 3. Educate yourself. You can start by reading some of the resources on our website and get the facts about domestic and dating violence. 4. Build social connections. Say hi to a neighbor, host a block party, reach out to a friend. Research shows that strong social connections can serve as a protective factor against abuse, which thrives in isolation. 5. Invite SAFELINE to speak at your local community group. 6.Host a drive – the survivors we work with are always in need of paper goods or personal care items. Put a box out in your workplace and watch the soap, shampoo and toothpaste pile up! 7. Have a conversation about healthy relationships with your kids. It’s never too early to start. Talk to younger kids about the importance of not keeping secrets and that it’s ok to say no to things that make them uncomfortable. As they get older, talk to them about establishing boundaries and think about what they want from relationships. It’s important to keep the conversation going when they’re teens and not to let the awkwardness stop you. Ask open-ended questions and be willing to listen. Those are just 7 things, do you have other ideas? Let us know in the comments section.
