The Department of Justice and the Office on Violence Against Women joins advocates, survivors , and communities around the country to observe October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This is a moment to elevate the conversation so the majority of Americans will understand that violence against women and girls is unacceptable.
Violence against women is the seed to so many other forms of violence. This shift in our conversation must happen because violence against women continues to have devastating effects on entire communities. When children witness violence in the home, those children are impacted by what they have seen and often experienced themselves. If we want to tackle violence in our country, in our communities, then we must address the violence that occurs in so many homes. And all members of the community must be engaged to end the violence.
Join us in pledging to raise awareness about this tragic crime, hold offenders accountable, and provide survivors with the services and tools to begin their journey of rebuilding and healing. Join us in pledging to end violence in our homes and our communities.
Read Presidential Proclamation for Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Press Release: Department of Justice Observes October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Download OVW’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month Poster
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Commemorating 15 Years of the Violence Against Women Act
“This bipartisan accomplishment has ushered in a new era of responsibility in the fight to end violence against women. In the 15 years since VAWA became law, our Nation’s response to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking has strengthened. Communities recognize the special needs of victims and appreciate the benefits of collaboration among professionals in the civil and criminal justice system, victim advocates, and other service providers. With the support of VAWA funds, dedicated units of law enforcement officers and specialized prosecutors have grown more numerous than ever before. Most importantly, victims are more likely to have a place to turn for help — for emergency shelter and crisis services, and also for legal assistance, transitional housing, and services for their children.”
President Barack Obama
September 14, 2009
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