October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and End Abuse is partnering with The National Network to End Domestic Violence and state coalitions across the country to start a national conversation about domestic violence and how we can all contribute to flipping the script on this overshadowed but fundamental topic that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s theme is #Every1KnowsSome1 to highlight the fact that domestic violence can happen to anyone and is more prevalent than people realize. With 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men experiencing domestic violence in their lifetime, everyone likely knows someone who has been affected by this issue.

How can you help? Join us!

• Learn about and support your local WI program’s DVAM events & initiatives using our Interactive DVAM in WI Map below, or view and share it at https://viewer.mapme.com/dvam-map-2021-wi. Sort by region and type of initiative by clicking on the categories on the left, zoom in/out to view additional details in your region, click on a program to find specific program information, and learn how to support survivors in your area today!
• • Note: Map removed following DVAM 2021

• Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram,  and share the content we’ve already prepared with your own networks throughout the month of October with the hashtag #Every1KnowsSome1. Help us raise awareness about what domestic violence is, who it impacts, and why we all need to care, by sharing our content with your friends and family.
• Participate in our week of action, October 18 – 24, 2021 and stay engaged throughout the year to show your support.

Domestic violence thrives in silence, and we know that it is all too common here in our state – our recently released 2020 WI Domestic Violence Homicide Report indicates that in WI, there is 1 death every 5 days caused by domestic violence. To be able to support and help victims and survivors, and to prevent domestic violence in the future, we all need to normalize it by talking openly about it. Having an informed conversation about domestic violence requires understanding what it is—that it’s much more than physical abuse—and why ‘just leaving’ isn’t so simple for survivors. 

Domestic violence is often thought about in terms of physical violence, but controlling behavior and other abusive tactics often begin long before any physical violence occurs. As a society we all have a role in changing the narrative about what domestic violence is, to whom it happens, and how we can support those who are experiencing it. Together, by supporting the victims and survivors in our lives, the local advocates and shelters in our communities, and the statewide coalitions across the country working to shift policies, laws, and understanding of the issue, we have the power to prevent and end domestic violence.