October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time for communities across the country to come together to raise awareness about domestic violence and recognize the strength and resilience of those who have experienced abuse.
The observance grew out of a national “Day of Unity” held in 1981. More than four decades later, DVIP/RVAP Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Crisis Services continues that work throughout southeast Iowa.
This year’s theme, “Why the Work Matters,” focuses on the people behind the mission — survivors who are working to find safety, overcome barriers and rebuild their lives.
DVIP/RVAP advocates work with victim-survivors every day, providing support and helping connect them with resources. The organization says that work is made possible in part by community members and organizations willing to stand alongside survivors.
Several events are planned throughout October, including:
Community Proclamations: Communities throughout the DVIP/RVAP service area will recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month during city council and county board meetings. Residents can attend these meetings to show their support. For dates and locations, email communityengagement@dvipiowa.org.
Shop for Safety: Advocates and volunteers will be at Hy-Vee and Fareway stores in Burlington, Mount Pleasant, Keokuk, Fort Madison and Washington on October 9 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Community members can donate items from the organization’s shopping list, including non-perishable food, hygiene products and other needed supplies.
A second Shop for Safety event will be held at Johnson County-area Hy-Vee and Fareway stores on October 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations from this event will support victim-survivors using emergency shelter and services throughout Johnson County.
Library Displays: Libraries throughout the eight-county DVIP/RVAP service area will feature displays highlighting books and stories about survivors, resilience and healing.
The Clothesline Project will also return during October. The display features shirts created by survivors of violence or people who have lost loved ones to violence. The project uses the shirts, along with sounds such as a gong, whistle and bell, to help illustrate the frequency of domestic violence, sexual assault and violent deaths.
Clothesline Project displays are scheduled for:
- Mount Pleasant: Iowa Public Library, October 5, 2 to 5 p.m.
- Iowa City: Iowa Greenhouse, October 10, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Burlington: Location to be announced, October 13, 4 to 7 p.m.
- Keokuk: Iowa Public Library Round Meeting Room, October 19, 2 to 5 p.m.
- Fort Madison: Iowa Public Library Shaeffer Meeting Room, October 26, 2 to 5 p.m.
- Washington: Iowa Public Library State Bank Room, November 5, 2 to 5 p.m.
Community members can also take part in shirt-making sessions throughout the month.
For a complete list of Domestic Violence Awareness Month events, visit dvipiowa.org/events.
Information about volunteering for Shop for Safety is available at DVIP/RVAP Shop for Safety.
Source: DVIP/RVAP Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Crisis Services
