October is Domestic Violence Action Month (DVAM)

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October is Domestic Violence Action Month (DVAM), a time to recognize that domestic violence is not only a private issue that happens behind closed doors. It is a community issue, shaped by the systems, policies, and attitudes that influence whether survivors are believed, supported, and able to find safety. 

While abuse occurs between individuals, survivors often encounter systems that compound the harm they have already experienced. A lack of affordable housing, financial insecurity, limited access to childcare, discrimination, and responses that question a survivor’s credibility can create additional barriers to safety. When survivors are forced to choose between abuse and homelessness, between reporting violence and financial stability, or between seeking help and fearing they won’t be believed, the problem extends far beyond a single relationship. Too often, survivors are asked why they stayed rather than why the abuse occurred or why the systems around them failed to provide safety and support. 

The reality is that domestic violence does not exist in a vacuum. It is shaped by the communities and systems around us. Creating lasting change requires more than raising awareness. It requires action that addresses the conditions that allow violence to continue and a collective commitment to ensuring survivors are met with dignity, support, and opportunity rather than additional obstacles. 

This Domestic Violence Action Month, we invite our community to look beyond awareness and consider the role each of us plays in creating change. Support survivor-centered services. Advocate for policies that expand safety and opportunity. Challenge harmful attitudes and misconceptions. Believe survivors. 

Because ending domestic violence is not solely the responsibility of survivors, advocates, or organizations like WEAVE. It is a shared responsibility that belongs to all of us. Together, we can build a community where survivors are supported, where systems respond with compassion and accountability, and where everyone has the opportunity to live free from violence. 

Thank You to Our DVAM Sponsor

We are grateful to Western Health Advantage for their generous support of Domestic Violence Action Month. Their partnership helps us take awareness into action and make a greater impact for survivors in our community. 

Understanding Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is more common than most people realize—and it’s not always physical. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, income, religion, culture, or background. That’s why it’s so important to understand what domestic violence is, how it shows up, and how you can support someone who may be experiencing it.  

What is Domestic Violence?

https://www.weaveinc.org/get-informed-domestic-violence

Learn more about the types of domestic violence

https://www.weaveinc.org/types-domestic-violence

How You Can Support a Victim: Recognize, Respond, Refer  

You don’t have to be an expert to help. Just being informed, compassionate, and ready to act can make a huge difference.  

1. Recognize the Signs – Victims may not always speak up, but you might notice unexplained injuries, absences from work, or withdrawal from activities.   

2. Respond with Compassion – If you suspect someone is experiencing abuse the most important thing you can do is believe them and listen without judgement. Trust that the survivor is the expert of their situation and provide them with support and resources, like WEAVE.  

3. Refer to WEAVE – WEAVE is Sacramento’s leading provider of support for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking. You can refer someone to WEAVE by:  

  • Calling the 24/7 Support Line: (916) 920-2952 
  • Visiting www.weaveinc.org for resources and services 
  • Offering to help them connect with WEAVE if they’re unsure or afraid 

October is about ACTION! Ways to take action all month long… and beyond 

Domestic violence thrives in silence and inaction. By learning to recognize the signs, responding with empathy, and referring survivors to trusted resources like WEAVE, you can take action to stop domestic violence and support healing. You don’t need to have all the answers—just being there and knowing where to turn can change someone’s life.