October is a time to pause and reflect on the pervasive issue of domestic violence, but it’s also a time to amplify the voices of survivors, celebrate their resilience, and remind ourselves that this issue is not confined to a single month, but affects individuals, families, and communities every day of the year.

For SafeHouse Denver, Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is a chance to elevate the stories of survivors and highlight the urgent need for action and support. “This is about amplifying survivor voices and the issue as a whole,” says SafeHouse Denver’s community engagement manager, Heather Schreck, sharing the organization’s approach to DVAM. “So many people, whether staff, volunteers, or donors, are connected to this issue. It’s about honoring our loved ones, friends, and community members who have experienced it.”

 Statistics 

The statistics surrounding domestic violence are startling, but they’re not just numbers; they represent real lives. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, an average of 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States, which is more than 12 million people each year. These figures alone don’t capture the complexity of domestic violence. Survivors often face significant barriers to leaving abusive relationships. Schreck shares that it takes an average of seven attempts before someone leaves for good.

 SafeHouse Denver's Approach 

SafeHouse Denver takes a trauma-informed approach to domestic violence recovery, understanding that the journey to safety and healing is never linear. “We don’t shame survivors if they return to an abusive relationship,” Schreck explains. “We understand that survivors’ circumstances are complex, and sometimes they return. We’re here to help them navigate that journey, however long it takes.”

 DVAM Initiatives 

During DVAM, SafeHouse Denver takes several steps to raise awareness. The organization collaborates with local leaders to issue proclamations that officially recognize the month, and its staff participates in events like the Rose Andom Center’s “One Mile Closer to Hope” walk that kicks off DVAM, and the annual Purple Day, held on October 19th, where landmarks such as Union Station are lit in purple to honor survivors.

But SafeHouse Denver’s work extends far beyond October. Schreck highlights that the organization remains dedicated to its mission year-round: 

“Domestic violence is an every day issue. DVAM is an important spotlight, but we do this work 365 days a year. We want to see a world where this is unacceptable and where people know they can get help. When we hear language from people in power that trivializes violence—‘oh, just a little fight with the wife’—it gives permission for others to think that behavior is acceptable,” she says. “DVAM and our year-round work is about saying no, that’s not true, that’s not acceptable.”

- Heather Schreck
Community Engagement Manager
SafeHouse Denver

The message is clear: survivors are not alone, and there is hope. Whether through direct services, public education, or support from community partners, Safe-House Denver is working tirelessly and compassionately to ensure that survivors have the resources they need to heal and rebuild their lives. “The work we do is hard, but it’s also incredibly rewarding,” Schreck says. “We want to create a world where survivors are supported, relationships are healthy, and violence is no longer tolerated.”

Domestic violence is not a private issue, it’s a societal one. This issue holds immeasurable pain, but also hope and resilience. As we mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month, let’s remember that every conversation, every effort to raise awareness, and every step toward support makes a difference. You are not alone, and together, we can end domestic violence.