With Survivors, Always (Domestic Violence Awareness 2026)
Providing help and giving support to survivors of domestic
violence awareness is this year's theme for National Domestic Violence
Awareness Month. Every year on October 5th and throughout the entire month, you
can light a purple lantern, a purple light bulb, or a battery-operated purple
candle in memory of someone who passed away from domestic violence and abuse.
Additionally, having dinner with a survivor, helping them to get food, and to
help them do their laundry is helpful for them to start a new phase in their
life. Also, remembering someone that you know who experienced domestic violence
and abuse by helping to volunteer at a shelter or an organization that helps
survivors. Getting resources to help survivors to find a home, to find a job,
and to improve their skills is essential for their well-being and for
processing their feelings.
Help
them with their job search. Accompany them from the shelter and to a new home.
Ensure they feel safe and respected. Another way is to help them get furniture,
necessities, and help them make their new place feel comfortable. Practice
relaxation techniques together and self-care.
As
part of their self-care, you can help them feel relaxed, safe, and feel better.
Practice using positive affirmations, Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, or mind and body
exercises. Teach a survivor to prepare and cook their meals. Nonetheless, be
available for someone that you know is a survivor of domestic violence and
abuse. Do check-ins with them and focus on finding a professional therapist for
managing emotions.
When
they are ready to make a transformation with their appearance, make suggestions
about changing their cosmetics, perfume, or haircut if they ask you for makeover
advice. If they ask for advice, do not blame, shame, or make them feel guilty.
Nonetheless, always be there for a survivor, especially during the holidays.
Every month, update them about classes for new job skills, learning
opportunities, or other projects to help them. Do not remind them about their
past hurtful experiences.
Be there for them during the holidays and during special
occasions. Celebrate their successes with them and motivate them to improve
their self-confidence. Be mindful with your comments, suggestions, or with
opinions especially if they were verbally abused in the past. Be kind,
respectful, and show your support to them. As well as helping them heal
emotionally and to recover from their traumatic experiences by accompanying
them to their therapy sessions.
It
is necessary to find ways to help survivors and to demonstrate your support. Be
there and listen to them. Wear purple for Purple Thursday on October 15th.
Donate to shelters or volunteer to help survivors. Also, contacting the
domestic violence hotline for help, healing, and for support.
Understanding,
communication, and having conversations about starting a new phase in their
life. Plant purple flowers in your garden. Besides that, make a pledge about
why you are wearing purple for National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Plan
to spend time with a survivor and have conversations about preventing domestic
violence and abuse. Here are websites with more information about National
Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month-With Survivors:
DVAM 2026: With Survivors, Always | Domestic Violence Awareness Project10 Self-Care Tips from a Survivor:
Self-care tips from a domestic violence survivor | Domestic violenceThe Hotline:
Domestic Violence Support | National Domestic Violence Hotline
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