Raise the Awareness,

Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) happens each October and allows communities nationwide to join forces to raise uplift the needs, voices, and experiences of survivors. Since Congress declared October Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1989, concerned Kentuckians across the Commonwealth have joined in the effort to raise awareness in various ways and given momentum to our movement to end this public health crisis, harming our neighbors and communities, once and for all. 

Why it Matters

Across the state in fiscal year 2026, ZeroV member programs provided services to more than 14,000 survivors, including over 900 children. High rates of domestic violence are not private, individual problems; they require community solutions and systems change. By acknowledging this reality and standing together as a Kentucky united against violence, we can address the root causes of domestic violence and create safe communities where everyone can thrive.

How to Help

This year, ZeroV is partnering with the national With Survivors, Always campaign, which emphasizes a critical call to our communities to transform awareness into action. As part of the #WithSurvivors campaign, we are united in our efforts to raise awareness about IPV and create a supportive community for survivors. Your involvement is crucial, and here's how you can be a part of it all:

Stand #WithSurvivors - Join our With Survivors, Always Social Media Campaign:

  • Engage with us on social media using the hashtag #WithSurvivors as we share educational resources and ways you can stand with survivors to help spread the word and create a united front against IPV. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

Know the Need - Read and Share our DVAM 2026 Op-Ed:

  • When times are tough, they’re especially tough for survivors. But when we work together, as a Kentucky united against violence, we can help each other overcome even the most challenging moments. Check out our Op-Ed in the Kentucky Lantern published during DVAM 2025 about the challenges faced by Kentucky's domestic violence programs and ways to support survivors, and be sure to check back soon for more information about this year's Op-Ed.

Show your Support - Attend our DVAM Ceremony, Wednesday, October 14:

  • ZeroV's annual DVAM Ceremony will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14, at the Capitol Education Center (706 Capital Ave, Frankfort, KY). The event will include the presentation of a gubernatorial proclamation, speakers, and a special ceremony, Speak My Name, in remembrance of Kentuckians lost to intimate partner homicide over the last year. Join us to show your support for survivors and remember the Kentuckians we have lost to IPV at our upcoming event in person or online through our Facebook livestream. ZeroV Facebook

Raise Visibility against Violence - Wear Purple on #PurpleThursday, Thursday, October 15:

  • On Thursday, October 15, wear purple to show your support for IPV survivors and your commitment to ending abuse! Take a selfie in your purple and share it on social media with #PurpleThursday #DVAM #WithSurvivors.

Donate to make a Difference - Uplift our #GiveForDV Day of Giving, Thursday, October 22:

  • Visit www.zerov.org/zero_hero_supporter to make a gift on Thursday, October 22, during our Annual DVAM Day of Giving. When you #GiveForDv, your donation will go directly to survivors through ZeroV's Survivor Support Funds, formerly Flex Funds, which provide survivors and their children with the resources they need to rebuild their lives free from abuse. 

Partner with a Purpose - Participate in Your Local DVAM Events, all month long:

  • ZeroV’s domestic violence member programs serve all 120 counties in Kentucky. Visit our Shelter Programs page to find your local ZeroV program and visit our DVAM 2026 Events Calendar for more information on their DVAM activities.

Everyone can join the movement this DVAM! Your involvement will give hope to survivors and help move us toward a future free from violence. Together, we can make meaningful and lasting change.

“Domestic violence” and “intimate partner violence” can be used interchangeably to describe a pattern of abusive behavior and coercive control that can happen in a dating, marital, or live-in (or ex-) intimate partner relationship. “Intimate partner violence” often feels more inclusive because it more explicitly recognizes that people in any type of romantic relationship can experience abuse by a partner–regardless of age, gender identity, sexuality, or “formal” relationship status.