Since 1987, Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) has united organizations and individuals to raise awareness of domestic violence. Join us throughout the month of October and beyond to take a stand against this serious issue and honor the resiliency of survivors in our community.
Domestic violence is a recurring, deliberate pattern of behaviors perpetuated by one partner (or former partner) to gain power and maintain control over another in a relationship, including physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, and financial abuse. It affects individuals from all backgrounds — regardless of age, gender identity, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education level, or religious affiliation. The frequency and severity of domestic violence can vary dramatically and may include physical injury, psychological trauma, and even death.
Alarmingly, 1 in 4 women experience domestic violence in their lifetime — more than breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and lung cancer combined. Despite the misconception that domestic violence only impacts women, 1 in 7 men are victims as well. Children are often silent victims of domestic violence – in fact, 1 in 7 children are affected by domestic violence in the U.S. each year.
If you or someone you know needs help, call our 24-hour domestic violence hotline at 619.234.3164. You’re not alone — we are here to help.
Get Involved
Take action by attending an event, sharing educational materials, or joining the conversation online:
- Post one of our social media graphics below to take a stand against domestic violence and advocate for healthy communities. Use #DVAM19 and make sure to tag us on facebook.com/ywcasd or @ywcasandiego.
- Wear purple, the color of domestic violence, throughout the month to raise awareness of this critical community issue. Take a selfie and share it with friends on social media using #DVAM19.
- Whether you’re personally experiencing abuse or know someone who needs help, learn more about the warning signs of domestic violence and suggested action steps. Call our 24/7 domestic violence hotline at 619.234.3164 to access safety planning, crisis counseling, and more information.
- Talk to your children about the dynamics of abuse and the attributes of healthy relationships using our power and control wheel.
- Make an online gift to support survivors and their children in our Becky’s House® Domestic Violence Programs. YWCA ensures that individuals and families can secure stability and access critical resources, including safe shelter and supportive services.
Social Media
Use #DVAM19 in your social media posts and tag facebook.com/ywcasd or @ywcasandiego. Sample posts:
- We all play a part in helping to raise awareness about domestic violence. Do your part and support survivors in October. #DVAM19
- Together, we can shed light on domestic violence. [Share why domestic violence awareness is important to you and inspire others.] #DVAM19
- 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men experience domestic violence in their lifetime. If you or someone you know needs help, please call the YWCA of San Diego County 24/7 Hotline at 619.234.3164. #DVAM19
Click on any of the below graphics to download for use on social media.
Community Events
Attend a community event to raise awareness of domestic violence, honor the lives of victims, and learn more about available resources:
Domestic Violence Awareness Month Opening Event
San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
Shiley Events Suite, 9th Floor
October 1, 1-4pm
Join the San Diego Domestic Violence Council and advocates throughout the county for a DVAM opening ceremony and resource fair. The resource fair begins at 1pm and a ceremony starts at 2pm. The ceremony will include speeches from dignitaries, annual HOPE Awards, and the reading of names of those who lost their lives to domestic violence in 2018.
Walk a Mile in Their Shoes
Downtown San Diego, MLK Promenade Park, 4th Ave and K Street
October 5, 11am-2pm
Walk a Mile in Their Shoes for YWCA of San Diego County — speak out against abuse and walk a mile with your friends, family and colleagues in solidarity with domestic violence survivors. Challenge your team to march the streets of downtown to raise awareness in a high-spirited way. Following the walk, celebrate your achievement with live music by Mojo Jackson, lunch by Luna Grill, beer from Modern Times, a raffle, silent auction, and games for all ages.
SDDVC Regional HOPE Events
South HOPE Event -San Ysidro – Civic Center 212 W. Park Ave
October 10, 10:30am-12:00pm
Event will include a rally walk, resource fair, Zumba, and speakers.
Central HOPE Event -Extended Studies Building Room 403, San Diego State University
October 10, 1:00-4:00 pm
Training at SDSU for staff, faculty and students. Event will include multiple presenters from organizations and resources. Seating is limited – register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/R/8MZ8Kr7
North HOPE Event – North County Live Well Center – 649 West Mission Avenue, Escondido
October 16, 11:00 am-1:00 pm
Healthy relationships resource fair for consumers and staff at the North County Live Well Center.
Central HOPE Event – CARE Community Center – 12 n Euclid Ave, National City
October 19, 9:00am-3:00pm
Event includes speakers on domestic violence from multiple agencies, free health screenings, resource fair, children’s activities, food and giveaways.
East HOPE Event – El Cajon Police Department – 100 Civic Center Way, El Cajon
October 21, Walk begins at 9:30am
Event will include a rally walk from the El Cajon Police station to the Prescott Promenade, speakers and resource fair.
Week Without Violence
October 14 – 18
Help promote our national Week Without Violence and join the conversation online using #WWV19. Week Without Violence is part of a global movement to end violence with YWCAs across the country and around the world.
By the Numbers
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) provides national and state-by-state statistics on domestic violence.
- Domestic violence affects 1 in 4 women in their lifetime — more than breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and lung cancer combined. Despite the misconception that domestic violence is a gender-based issue, 1 in 7 men are victims as well.
- In San Diego County, a total of 17,513 domestic violence cases were reported to law enforcement in 2018. However, this represents only a fraction of the life-threatening need, as the majority of incidents are never reported due to fear, intimidation, and isolation within abusive relationships.
- Children are often silent victims of domestic violence – in fact, 1 in 7 children are affected by domestic violence in the U.S. each year.
- Children who witness domestic violence are three times more likely to become abusers or victims in the future, often perpetuating the cycle of violence for multiple generations.
- Domestic violence is estimated to cost the U.S. economy between $5.8 billion and $12.6 billion annually.
- Victims of domestic violence lose a total of 8 million days of paid work each year, the equivalent of 32,000 full-time jobs.
- 57% of teens know someone who has been physically, sexually, or verbally abusive in a dating relationship.
