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Domestic Violence Action Month

A cartoon of two cats. One is holding a flag that says "Love like this - Together we can end domestic violence. October is Domestic Violence Action Month," the other cat is cheering into a bullhorn

October is Domestic Violence Action (DVAM) Month! Here are some resources to get the word out and engage your community.

Activity ideas and materials

Take action in 2021!

  • We’ve learned a lot during the pandemic about the power of connection. If someone is having a hard time in their relationship, you can be a lifeline. Check out our newly updated Friends and Family Guide for how to help someone in an abusive relationship. Also available en espanol. Our update includes practical tips for staying connected. Check them out!
List of ideas to stay connected: send a text without the expectation of getting something back; set up a monthly phone call to check in; drop off a treat, a meal, or a toy for the kids; meet up for a coffee or a walk; send a note that says, 'I'm here for you;' share resources that you've found helpful
List of ideas to stay connected with teens: be in the room, share space without an agenda; have them teach you to play their favorite video game; go for a drive and let them pick the music; cook together; take a neighborhood walk; order takeout of their choice.
  • Get hyped for DVAM! Here are some activities that facilitate connection.
Take action this October for DVAM: Get together, have a weekly potluck; share a cup of tea and a conversation; get religious orgs to talk about relationships; get social; take a hike or walk together; get creative. Together we can end domestic violence!

Social media friendly graphics

Staying connected is important –now more than ever! So this year, we are focusing on our communities taking action, by promoting lessons from the English and Spanish Friends and Family Guides. Digital materials are sized for Instagram posts, Instagram and Facebook Stories, and Cover Photos for you to use across all of your social media platforms!

Click on this link to browse our high-res galleries or click any of the images below to download!

  • A blue and yellow graphic with white text along the top that reads "Octover is Domestic Violence Action Month," in the center, there is large yellow text that reads "Take Action!"
  • black circle with white text that reads "we want everyone to be ok"
  • Graphic with blue text that reads "Everyone deserves a healthy relationship" in blue text over a white background. Underneath that is a black circle with white text that reads "we want everyone to be ok"
  • A yellow graphic with the title in blue text: “What to say to someone experiencing abuse.” Underneath the title is a white and yellow grid of nine sample sentences to say to someone that's experiencing domestic violence. The statements are: I believe you; I am so sorry this is happening to you; Thank you for sharing this; I don't even know what to say right now, but I am so glad you told me; You don't deserve this; Thank you for telling me; It's not your fault; You are not alone; You get to choose what you do next.
  • A white graphic with blue and black text that reads, “You can help. Staying connected is one of the most helpful things you can do.” Underneath the text is the WSCADV logo along with an illustration of a compass.
  • A blue and yellow graphic with white text that reads: “How to ask a question when someone is experiencing abuse: Ask a question. Asking ‘How’s it going?’ are really caring about the answer is powerful. Some other possible questions to ask: What is your biggest concern? What are you most worried about? What do you need or want? What do you need from your community? How can I help? What is life like with [partner’s name]? How are the kids doing? Is this relationship energizing or draining? Do you get to do the things you like to do? What happens if you disagree? What does arguing look like in your relationship?”
  • A blue and yellow graphic with white text along the top that reads "October is Domestic Violence Action Month," underneath the text there is a photo of a man looking concerned. A friend is standing behind him with their hand on his shoulder in comfort. Underneath their picture are the words "Be a friend. www.wscadv.org/dvam"
  • A blue and yellow graphic with white text along the top that reads "October is Domestic Violence Action Month," underneath the text there is a photo of parents smiling and playing with their baby. One parent is holding the baby while the other one hands the baby a rubber duck. Underneath their picture are the words “Healthy relationships feel good. www.wscadv.org/dvam"
  • A blue and yellow graphic with white text along the top that reads "October is Domestic Violence Action Month," underneath the text there is a photo of three women sitting together smiling and laughing. Underneath their picture are the words "Be a friend. www.wscadv.org/dvam"
  • A blue and yellow graphic with white text along the top that reads "October is Domestic Violence Action Month," underneath the text there is a photo of four friends standing together in the rain, they are all wearing brightly colored rain jackets and are smiling towards the sky. Underneath their picture are the words "Be a friend. www.wscadv.org/dvam"
  • A blue and yellow graphic with white text along the top that reads "October is Domestic Violence Action Month," underneath the text there is a photo of two women laying on a couch together smiling and laughing. Underneath their picture are the words "Be a friend. www.wscadv.org/dvam"
  • A blue and yellow graphic with white text along the top that reads "Octover is Domestic Violence Action Month," underneath the text there is a photo of two women laying on a couch together smiling and laughing.
  • A blue and yellow graphic with white text along the top that reads "October is Domestic Violence Action Month" Underneath the text there is a photo of five young people sitting together on a set of stairs having a conversation. Underneath the photo is text that reads: Be a friend. www.wscadv.org/dvam
  • A blue and yellow graphic with white text along the top that reads "October is Domestic Violence Action Month" Underneath the text there is a photo of four young women standing together, laughing and smiling. One is blowing bubbles that are floating in front of them. Underneath the photo is text that reads: Be a friend. www.wscadv.org/dvam
  • A blue and yellow graphic with white text along the top that reads "October is Domestic Violence Action Month" Underneath the text there is a photo of two people on a motorcycle together. They are both smiling widely and the person on the back of the motorcycle has her hands in the air. Underneath the photo is text that reads: Healthy relationships feel good. www.wscadv.org/dvam
  • A blue and yellow graphic with white text along the top that reads "October is Domestic Violence Action Month" Underneath the text there is a photo of a family of three smiling at the camera. There is a small child in the foreground holding up five fingers and laughing. Underneath the photo is text that reads: Healthy relationships feel good. www.wscadv.org/dvam
  • A blue and yellow graphic with white text along the top that reads "October is Domestic Violence Action Month" Underneath the text there is a photo of a family of four lying on a bed and smiling at the camera. Underneath the photo is text that reads: Healthy relationships feel good. www.wscadv.org/dvam
  • A blue and yellow graphic with white text along the top that reads "October is Domestic Violence Action Month" Underneath the text there is a photo of two people on a beach, they are both smiling. One is feeding a s'more to the other. Underneath the photo is text that reads: Healthy relationships feel good. www.wscadv.org/dvam
  • A blue and yellow graphic with white text along the top that reads "October is Domestic Violence Action Month" Underneath the text there is a photo of two people sitting on a beach, they are both smiling and laughing. One is playing a ukulele. Underneath the photo is text that reads: Healthy relationships feel good. www.wscadv.org/dvam
  • A blue and yellow graphic with white text along the top that reads "October is Domestic Violence Action Month" Underneath the text there is a photo of two people smiling at each other with their foreheads touching.. Underneath the photo is text that reads: Healthy relationships feel good. www.wscadv.org/dvam
  • A blue and yellow graphic with white text along the top that reads "October is Domestic Violence Action Month" Underneath the text there is a photo of two men in suits smiling and dancing together at their wedding. Underneath the photo is text that reads: Healthy relationships feel good. www.wscadv.org/dvam
  • A blue banner with black compasses. The yellow text along the top of the banner reads "October is Domestic Violence Action Month!" Underneath that, there is white text that reads "Friends & Family Guide: How to help someone in an abusive relationship."
  • A blue and yellow graphic with white text along the top that reads "October is Domestic Violence Action Month," in the center, there is large yellow text that reads "Take Action!"
  • A blue and yellow graphic with white text along the top that reads "October is Domestic Violence Action Month," in the center, there is large yellow text that reads "Take Action!"
  • Take action this October for DVAM: Get together, have a weekly potluck; share a cup of tea and a conversation; get religious orgs to talk about relationships; get social; take a hike or walk together; get creative. Together we can end domestic violence!

Halloween DVAM Social Media Gallery

Boo! We have a bonus gallery for Halloween inspired DVAM posts for you to share the week of Halloween!

  • Halloween themed image for Domestic Violence Action Month of a black background with spider webs and bats. Over the images, in white and orange text, the message reads: Relationships should be fun, not scary. October is Domestic Violence Action Month. Help a friend. www.wscadv.org/dvam
  • Halloween themed image for Domestic Violence Action Month of a black background with spider webs and bats. Over the images, in white and orange text, the message reads: Relationships should be a treat, not a trick. October is Domestic Violence Action Month. Help a friend. www.wscadv.org/dvam
  • Halloween themed image for Domestic Violence Action Month: a banner with bats, jack-o-lanterns, and spiders with orange and black text that reads "Romance isn't supposed to be creepy."
  • Halloween themed image for Domestic Violence Action Month. There is a photo of a group of children in halloween costumes smiling as they trick or treat. Above the photo is text that reads: Relationships should be a treat, not a trick. Underneath the photo is a bat and the url www.wscadv.org/dvam
  • Halloween themed image for Domestic Violence Action Month. There is a photo of two children smiling as they carve pumpkins. Above the photo is text that reads: This Halloween, let someone know that you care. Tell someone who is struggling that you'll be there for them.. Underneath the photo is a bat and the url www.wscadv.org/dvam
  • Halloween themed image for Domestic Violence Action Month. There is a photo of a group of children in halloween costumes smiling as they trick or treat. Above the photo is text that reads: Halloween safety tip! Make time to connect. Simple moments of joy build support and trust. Underneath the photo is a bat and the url www.wscadv.org/dvam
  • Halloween themed image for Domestic Violence Action Month. There is a photo of a group of children in halloween costumes smiling while they trick or treat. Above the photo is text that reads: Halloween is best with friends... so is talking about relationships. Underneath the photo is the text "get help to support someone at www.wscadv.org/friends
  • Halloween themed image for Domestic Violence Action Month. There is a photo of a group of children in halloween costumes smiling in a pumpkin patch. Above the photo is text that reads: Trick or treating is best with friends, so is talking about relationships. Underneath the photo is the text "get help to support your friends" and the url www.wscadv.org/friends
  • Halloween themed image for Domestic Violence Action Month. There is a photo of a group of children in halloween costumes smiling as they trick or treat. Above the photo is text that reads: Trick or treating is best with friends, so is talking about relationships. Underneath the photo is a bat and the url www.wscadv.org/dvam
  • Halloween themed image for Domestic Violence Action Month. There is a photo of a group of children in halloween costumes smiling as they trick or treat. Above the photo is text that reads: Halloween safety tip! Talk to your kids about healthy relationships! Underneath the photo is a bat and the url www.wscadv.org/dvam
  • Halloween themed image for Domestic Violence Action Month: a banner with bats, jack-o-lanterns, and spiders with orange and black text that reads "Romance isn't supposed to be creepy."

Don’t forget to check out our activities and materials from previous years too!

  • A cartoon of two cats. One is holding a flag that says "Love like this - Together we can end domestic violence. October is Domestic Violence Action Month," the other cat is cheering into a bullhorn
  • Like Like This card with two scenes. In the first scene, two cartoon cats are having a conversation. One is crying so the other is offering to make things better. The crying cat looks hopeful. In the other scene, one cat is offering to make things better while the other is standing angrily with their arms crossed. The text on the card reads, "Love looks like this: when you mess up, you can make it right. Not like: when you mess up, they wont let it go."
  • Love Like This cartoon with two scenes. The first scene shows one cat on a tandem bicycle offering a helmet to another cat who is smiling back at them. In the other scene, one cat is pulling another towards the bicycle even though the second cat looks unhappy. The text on the card says "Love feels like wanting to, not like having to."
  • Love Like This graphic with two scenes. The first scene shows a cartoon cat sitting on the couch, knitting. Their phone is next to them with a new text notification and they are smiling. In the second scene, another cat is facing away from their phone, looking worried as they are flooded with texts. The message of this card reads, "Love looks like sending some cute texts to your boo, not like blowing up their phone all day long!"
  • Love Like This Comic with two scenes. The first scene shows two cartoon cats smiling at each other and playing music together. The words, "Love feels like yes!" are above their heads. The second scene shows two cats sitting on a couch together. One is trying to hug the other who is shrugging and looking away. The words, "Not like 'I guess...'" are above them.
  • Love Like This Graphic that says "Love feels like this: Roomy" in large, nicely spaced letters. Underneath, it says "Not Like This: Squished" in tight, overlapping letters.
  • A cartoon of two cats. One is holding a flag that says "Love like this - October is Domestic Violence Action Month," the other is saying into a bullhorn "Together we can end domestic violence!"
  • A cartoon of two cats. One is holding a flag that says "Love like this - October is Domestic Violence Action Month," the other is saying into a bullhorn "Together we can end domestic violence!"
  • Love Like This cartoon about making a move. The top half shows to cats sitting next to each other playing music together. Their eye contact and collaboration shows they are interested in each other. The bottom shows one playing the tuba loudly while the other looks surprised and puts their violin down. They are out of sync and the tuba player is showing they are thinking more about themselves and assuming what the other one wants.
  • Love Like This cartoon about jealousy. The top half shows a cat standing under an umbrella in the rain. They are saying, “I kind of felt weird when your ex hugged you. I don’t think they really respect our relationship. And sometimes it seems like you encourage them.” The bottom half shows an angry cat standing in the rain, they are yelling, “I cannot BELIEVE you! You were ALL UP in your ex’s business and acting like I wasn’t even there. You SUCK!”
  • Love Like This cartoon about keeping in touch. The top half shows a cat sitting down in a movie theater, they are looking at their phone. They’ve texted someone three times today without a response. At 1:28, they sent “Wanna hang out later?” At 3:36, they sent, “Let me know if you want to make plans.” At 5:41, they sent, “I made plans. But I’m worried about you. Text when you can please.” The bottom half shows a cat angrily looking at their phone, they’ve texted someone six times without a response. At 1:31, they said “Wanna hang out later?” At 1:45, “Hello?” followed by, “Where are you?!” At 2:05, “WFT?” “Who are you with?” “Fine. Don’t bother picking me up tomorrow.”
  • Love Like This cartoon about breaking up. The top half shows a good breakup to-do list: 1. Keep calm and carry on. 2. Think about the future. And 3. Be clear but kind. The bottom half shows a bad breakup to-do list: 1. Do it on Facebook. 2. Tell them everything you hate about them. 3. Ruin their reputation.
  • Love Like This cartoon about fighting fair. The top half shows to cats playing a nice game of tennis together and gives tips for fighting fairly: agree on what you’re fighting about, show up and be willing to take turns, and ask for what you want next time. The bottom half shows one of the cats firing tennis balls at the other who’s crouching and facing away. It gives this list of things NOT to do: bring up everything that bothers you, totally dominate and don’t let them talk, exaggerate (use words like “always” and “never”).
  • Love Like This cartoon about asking someone out. The top half shows two cats smiling at each other and gives tips for asking someone out: show respect & confidence, have a hopeful & respectful approach, and have open & inviting body language. The bottom half shows one cat chasing the other with things NOT to do: use a pushy & demanding approach, showing arrogance & disrespect, and using intimidating & aggressive body language.