Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) in 2026 takes place from 1–31 October, with the national theme “With Survivors, Always,” emphasizing a shift from awareness to action. Many of our Rotary Clubs help provide services/assistance to individuals who are victims or potential victims of domestic violence. The information here provides additional information about the awareness campaign and resources available.

The campaign focuses on mourning those lost, celebrating survivors, and strengthening collective action to end abuse. Georgia is in the upper‑middle tier of U.S. states for domestic violence prevalence, with 39.3% of women reporting lifetime IPV, ranking 24th among states.

The 2026 campaign has a strong emphasis on action and highlights:

• Increased barriers to safety for survivors
• Cuts to essential services
• A call to move from awareness to concrete action

Key National Observances

• Day of Unity – First Monday of October
• Purple Thursday – Third Thursday of October (wear purple to show support)
• Candlelight vigils – Held statewide throughout the month

These observances are widely recognized across federal agencies, state coalitions, and community organizations. 

Ways to Take Action in 2026

Advocacy organizations emphasize shifting from awareness to action:

• Share personal stories to reduce stigma
• Donate funds or goods to local shelters
• Volunteer with hotlines or support programs
• Talk with young people about healthy relationships
• Participate in mutual aid or direct cash assistance
• Advocate for policies supporting survivors

For more information, check out: 

• What is the Domestic Violence Power and Control …   (Outlines abusive behaviors used to exert control over a person) 
• Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2026 | Awarene…         
• DVAM 2026: With Survivors, Always | Domestic Vio…
• Please review these safety tips.

HOTLINE INFORMATION

• 1-800-33-HAVEN (1.800.334.2836) …The Georgia domestic violence hotline is an extensive telephone routing system to Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) certified shelters. Calls to the hotline are automatically connected to the caller’s nearest certified shelter based on the caller’s telephone number exchange. Calls may be made 24 hours a day from anywhere in the state as well as from outside of Georgia from any phone line. Programs accepting calls have access to language interpreter services.
• Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline - Georgia Co…
•  SAFETY ALERT: If you are in danger, please use a safer computer and consider calling 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 / TTY 1-800-787-3224 or the StrongHearts Native Helpline at 1−844-762-8483 (call or text) are available to assist you.