Dawson County Sheriff's Office
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) evolved from the "Day of Unity" held in October 1981 and conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The intent was to connect advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children. The Day of Unity soon became an entire week devoted to a range of activities conducted at the local, state, and national level. The activities conducted were as varied and diverse as the program sponsors, but had common themes:
Mourning those who have died because of domestic violenceCelebrating those who have survivedConnecting those who work to end violence
These three themes remain a key focus of DVAM events today. In October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. That same year marks the initiation of the first national domestic violence toll-free hotline. In 1989, the U.S. Congress passed Public Law 101-112 designating October of that year as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Such legislation has passed every year since with NCADV providing key leadership in this effort. Each year, the Day of Unity is celebrated the first Monday of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
This month is a chance for everyone - victims, survivors, advocates, law enforcement, supporters, and politicians - to work together to end the physical, sexual, and emotional abuse caused by domestic violence.
Domestic violence affects people of all ages, genders, races, socioeconomic backgrounds, and education levels. If you think you're a victim of domestic abuse, or suspect a friend is, there are resources you can contact for help:
National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-SAFE (7233), staffed with experts 24 hours, 365 days a year.
Georgia's 24-Hour Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-334-2836.