Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Creating Safer Communities Together

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month—a time to raise awareness, support survivors, and strengthen our shared commitment to safe, respectful relationships. This year’s theme is "With Survivors, Always”.

Domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, culture, income, ability, sexual orientation, or where they live. It does not always involve physical harm. It can include emotional abuse, threats, intimidation, controlling behaviour, financial abuse, sexual violence, stalking, and the use of technology to monitor or isolate someone. Everyone deserves to feel safe, heard, and respected. 

At the Well-Being HUB, we understand that reaching out for support can be difficult. People may worry about being believed, fear what could happen next, feel isolated, or face barriers such as housing, finances, transportation, or concerns for children and loved ones. Support should be offered without judgment, pressure, or blame. 

Domestic violence is not a private issue—it is a community concern. By speaking up, challenging harmful attitudes, supporting survivors, and teaching young people about consent, boundaries, and healthy relationships, we can help build a community where everyone has the opportunity to live free from violence. 

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 If it is safe to seek support, local domestic violence services, shelters, crisis lines, health-care providers, and community organizations can help with safety planning, counselling, legal information, shelter, and other practical supports. 

This month, and every month, the Well-Being HUB stands with survivors and with all those working to create safety, healing, and hope. 

Remember that healing is a journey. Whether you are in a crisis situation or seeking support for something that happened weeks, months, or even years ago, help is available. NRCDV’s Finding Safety and Support brochure offers information and tips for helping survivors to identify abuse in their relationships and seek help.  For more information about the scope and dynamics of abuse, visit our About DV page.

Caring, supportive and well-trained advocates at the National Domestic Violence Hotline can provide safety tips and referrals to services and resources in your community. Please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. No matter where you are in the country, the Hotline can put you in touch with an advocate in your local area. Calls are free and confidential, and the Hotline has access to interpreters who speak over 200 different languages. Live chat services are also offered via the Hotline’s website (click on the “Chat Now” button at the top of the page).

Other helplines:

Love is Respect – the National Dating Abuse Helpline1-866-331-9474TTY 1-866-331-8453Text “loveis” to 22522Live chat at www.loveisrespect.org 

StrongHearts Native Helpline - A Helpline for American Indians and Alaska Natives Affected by Domestic Violence & Dating Violence1−844-762-8483

RAINN—the Rape Abuse Incest National Network - rape/sexual assault services1-800-656-4673 (HOPE)Secure, online private chat

Additionally, your state/territory coalition works to assist victims and survivors of domestic violence in obtaining support services, including help for their children, planning for their safety and accessing legal advocacy. While they are not direct agencies, they can provide referrals to resources and services in your local community.