10/03/2026
Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) has its roots in the U.S. grassroots movement against domestic violence in the early 1980s.
The history in brief
* 1970s: Domestic violence was increasingly being recognized as a serious social and public-safety issue rather than simply a “private family matter.” Advocacy organizations and shelters began organizing nationally.
* 1981: The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) organized the first “Day of Unity” in October. The purpose was to bring together advocates across the country who were working to end violence against women and children.
* The Day of Unity expanded into a week of activities. Three themes became central: mourning those who died, celebrating survivors, and connecting people working to end domestic violence.
* 1987: The first full Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed.
* 1989: The U.S. Congress formally designated October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month through Public Law 101-112. President George H. W. Bush subsequently issued a national proclamation.
* Today: October is used to educate the public about abuse, support survivors, remember victims who were killed, highlight resources, and bring communities together to work toward ending domestic violence.
Remember those we lost.
Honor those who survived.
Stand together to end the violence.
