Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Coffee Sleeve Stories
Domestic Violence
Awarness Month
Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is observed every October to mourn victims, celebrate survivors, and unite advocates in ending intimate partner violence. The purple ribbon serves as a symbol of awareness, hope, and solidarity with those impacted by domestic violence.
The voices of survivors are at the heart of this movement. Their stories foster understanding, empower others to come forward, and drive meaningful action toward a future free from violence.
She Finally Believed Herself
For years, she was told that what happened at home was “not that bad.” She began questioning her own feelings and doubting herself.
When she connected with an advocate, someone finally listened without judgment.
For the first time, she heard: “You are not responsible for someone else’s choice to hurt you.”
That was the beginning of her journey toward safety, confidence, and a life of her own.
Be Part of Their Journey
A Safe Place
She arrived with two children, a few bags, and no idea what would happen next.
She was frightened about starting over. She worried about housing, money, childcare, and whether she could really make it on her own.
With support, resources, and someone walking beside her, she began rebuilding—one decision at a time.
Months later, she said:
“I didn't just find a safe place. I found out I could build a safe life.”
Make Safety Possible
The First Call
Making the call was one of the hardest things she had ever done.
She didn't know what she needed. She wasn't even sure she was ready to leave.
The advocate didn't tell her what to do.
Instead, they listened, answered her questions, helped her understand her options, and reminded her that the decision was hers.
Sometimes, support doesn't begin with a solution.
Sometimes, it begins with someone willing to listen.
Support a Survivor
Her Children Were Watching
She stayed because she wanted to protect her children.
She eventually realized that protecting them could also mean showing them that violence is never acceptable and that asking for help is a sign of strength.
Leaving wasn't easy.
Starting over wasn't easy.
But today, her children are growing up knowing something important:
Love should never hurt.
Honor This Story
Starting Over at 50
She thought starting over was something younger people did.
After years of living with control and fear, she finally decided she wanted something different.
She found support, secured housing, and began making decisions for herself again.
Her first step wasn't dramatic.
It was simply saying:
“I deserve more than surviving.”
And that was enough to begin.
Make Hope Possible
One Person Made a Difference
She didn't think anyone would understand.
A coworker noticed she wasn't herself and simply said:
“I'm here if you ever need someone.”
There was no pressure. No judgment. Just an open door.
That conversation eventually connected her with resources that helped her move toward safety.
You never know what someone is carrying.
Your kindness could be the first step toward someone's freedom.
Empower Survivors
It Wasn't Her Fault
She spent years believing the abuse was somehow her fault.
If she had been quieter.
If she had made different choices.
If she had tried harder.
Through advocacy and support, she began replacing those thoughts with something she had forgotten:
“What happened to me was not my fault.”
Healing didn't happen overnight.
But every day, she believed herself a little more.
Help Someone Heal
She Became a Survivor, Not a Statistic
For a long time, she thought of herself only as what had happened to her.
Then she began to see herself differently.
A mother.
A friend.
A worker.
A survivor.
A woman with dreams.
Her past was part of her story—but it didn't have to define her future.
She wasn't just surviving anymore. She was rebuilding.
Create Lasting Change
Take Action Today
More Information About Victim Services
Everyone deserves to feel
Be a part of the change. Together, we can make a difference for the most vulnerable in our community and beyond.