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ICJI > Victim Services > About Victim Services > Domestic Violence Awareness Month Domestic Violence Awareness Month

What is Domestic Violence Awareness Month?

Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) evolved from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) Day of Unity in October 1981. The intent was to connect advocates across the nation working to end violence against women and their children. The Day of Unity soon became an entire week of state, local and national activities devoted to a range of activities conducted at the local, state, and national levels.

The events held were as varied and diverse as the program sponsors but each shared a common theme: mourning those who have died because of domestic violence, celebrating those who have survived, and connecting those who work to end violence.

In October 1997, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. That same year marks the initiation of the first national domestic violence toll-free hotline. Just two years later, Congress passed Public Law 101-112, officially designating October of that year as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. With the leadership of the NCADV, such legislation has passed every year since. Today, the Day of Unity is celebrated on the first Monday of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Indiana's Fight Against Domestic Violence

Domestic violence touches the lives of Americans of all ages, leaving a devastating impact on women, men, and children of every background and circumstance. A family's home becomes a place of fear, hopelessness, and desperation when a woman is battered by her partner, a child witnesses the abuse of a loved one, or a senior is victimized by family members. Since the 1994 passage of the landmark Violence Against Women Act, our nation has strengthened its response to this crime and increased services for victims. Still, far too many women and families in this country and around the world are affected by domestic violence.

As Indiana's planning and administering agency for VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) and STOP (Service, Training, Officers, Prosecutors) funding, the Insititute recognizes the unwavering commitment to victims of domestic violence that Indiana service providers and victims’ advocates exhibit on a daily basis.

ICJI is equally committed to ending domestic violence and will continue to both support and spearhead efforts that provide funding for services and shelter operations while examining trends that specifically contribute to domestic violence within our communities. Under the leadership of executive director T. Neil Moore, ICJI conducts more outreach training than in years past. The Institute has also substantially increased the number of annual site visits, established performance measures for sub-grantees and works closely with all VOCA and STOP sub-grantees.  

“It’s evident that when we work together, we can have a much greater impact by proactively saving lives, restoring families, and rebuilding Indiana communities while helping to break the cycle of domestic violence,” said Moore.

Governor Daniels Proclaims October Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Governor Daniels recently proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Indiana. His declaration is a reminder to every Hoosier of the tragic toll the crime of domestic violence takes on innocent victims each year. This October we mourn those victims who have been lost to violence and at the same time celebrate the life saving services offere to survivors by countless service prividers across the state.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month Events

Month-Long Events
  • The Clothesline Project
    Ivy Tech Community College, Ivy Hall, 3101 S. Creasy Lane
    Lafayette
    The Clothesline Project is a display of T-shirts that have been decorated by adults and children who have been affected by domestic violence or sexual assault. - FREE

    For More Information:
    Jasmine Dowd
    Outreach Coordinator
    YWCA Domestic Violence Intervention & Prevention Program
    605 N. 6th Street
    Lafayette, IN  47901
     (765) 423-4486
     (765) 429-5666
    jdowd@ywcalafayette.org

Friday, October 1

  • What Lies Behind the Picket Fence Art Contest 
    5:00 p.m .–  8:00 p.m.
    Spacious Heart Yoga, 119 S. Main St.
    Goshen, IN 

    In observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Family Violence Council of Elkhart County, sponsored by the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, is hosting the “What Lies Behind the Picket Fence Art Contest.”  The contest will highlight submissions from the community depicting a theme of victim empowerment, strength, healing, equality or violence survival. 

    Entries will be displayed at Spacious Heart Yoga located at 119 S. Main St. in Goshen on October 1, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. during Goshen’s First Friday event along with an awareness display addressing family violence issues. Entry forms and a list of rules are available at http://www.elkhartcountyprosecutor.com/. 

    For More Information:
    Shelley Murphy
    Family Violence and Sexual Assault Community Coordinator
    Family Violence Council of Elkhart County
    301 S. Main St.
    Elkhart, IN  46516
    574-296-1783.
    574-293-4558
    smurphy@elkhartpa.com
    http://www.elkhartcountyprosecutor.com

 

  • Domestic Violence Awareness Kickoff Date
    4:00 p.m
    Miami County Courthouse, 25 N. Broadway
    Peru
    Event will include a proclamation reading by Mayor, and placing of crosses on courthouse lawn

    For More Information:
    Brenda Kercher
    Victim Advocate
    Miami County DVC
    25 N. Broadway
    Peru, Indiana 46970
    765-472-3653
    765-472-4096
    bkercher@miamicountyin.gov
    http://www.miamicountyin.gov


Monday, October 4

  • Domestic Violence Prevention Awareness Month Proclamation
    10 a.m.
    20 N. 3rd Street County Office Bldg, Tippecanoe Room
    Lafayette
    The public is invited to attend a brief ceremony designating October
    as Domestic Violence Awareness Month - FREE

    For More Information:
    Jasmine Dowd, Outreach Coordinator
    YWCA Domestic Violence Intervention & Prevention Program
    605 N. 6th Street
    Lafayette, IN  47901
     (765) 423-4486
     (765) 429-5666
    jdowd@ywcalafayette.org


  • Proclamation of october as DV Awareness Month
    9:30 a.m.
    Vigo County Courthouse
    Terre Haute

    The mayor will officially proclaim October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

    For More Information:
    Susan Hall, Executive Director
    Council on Domestic Abuse
    1400 Hulman Street
    Terre Haute, IN 47208
    812-234-3441
    812-234-9441
    codadirector@frontier.com


  Tuesday, October 5
  • Candlelight Vigil 
    6:00 p.m.
    Court House, 25 N. Broadway
    Peru
    Event will feature a survivor victim as guest speaker as well as a
    bagpiper and candle lighting.

    For More Information:
    Brenda Kercher
    Victim Advocate
    Miami County DVC
    25 N. Broadway
    Peru, Indiana 46970
    765-472-3653
    765-472-4096
    bkercher@miamicountyin.gov
    http://www.miamicountyin.gov


  • 20th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month Commemoration and Celebration  
    10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
    Center for Leadership Development
    2425 West Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street
    Indianapolis, IN 46208

    Domestic Violence Network and the DVN Advocates Group will host this event to celebrate the survivors of domestic abuse while we honor and remember those individuals who resided in Marion, Hamilton, Madison, Hancock, Shelby, Johnson, Morgan, Hendricks and Boone Counties, who had their lives taken from them through acts of domestic violence.

    For More Information:
    Brandy Wright
    Communications Director
    Domestic Violence Network
    9539 Valparaiso Court
    Indianapolis, IN
    317-872-1086
    317-872-1164
    bwright@dvnconnect.org
    http://www.DVNconnect.org



Thursday, October 7
  • Tipton County Candle Light Vigil 
    7:30 p.m. -8:30 p.m.
    Tipton City Park Gazebo 600 County Hwy-150W
    Tipton, IN
    October will be proclaimed Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Tipton.
    Awards will be given to those who have provided outstanding service to victims
    of domestic violence and a prayer by Pastor Mark Ward will be featured during
    the candle light ceremony.

    For More Information:
    Amy Bond, Victim Advocate
    Alternatives Inc.
    225 E. Jefferson St.
    Tipton, IN 46072
    765-675-2152
    765-675-3500
    abond@alternativesdv.org
    http://www.alternativesdv.org/
               


Saturday, October 9

  • 4th Annual Walk Against Domestic Violence 
    9:00 a.m.
    Old Fire House
    Peru
    Participants receive a free t-Shirt and bottled water (5K Walk)

    For More Information:
    Brenda Kercher
    Victim Advocate
    Miami County DVC
    25 N. Broadway
    Peru, Indiana 46970
    765-472-3653
    765-472-4096
    bkercher@miamicountyin.gov
    http://www.miamicountyin.gov


Tuesday, October 12

  • Shine Our Light On The Westside –
    Community Night  Out Against Domestic Violence
    6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
    Crestwood Village West  Community, 230 Welcome Way Blvd
    Indianapolis

    For More Information:
    Terry Moore
    Executive Director
    Beacon of Hope Center for Women, Inc.
    P.O. Box 34318
    Indianapolis, IN  46234
    317-731-6131
    317-731-6132
    beaconofhopecenter@yahoo.com
    http://www.beaconofhopeindy.org/


Wednesday, October 13

  • The Sin of Silence- Breaking the Silence Heals the Family and the Community*  
    October 13, October 14 and October 15
    Wednesday and Thursday: 9:00 a.m -3:30 p.m. (Registration desk opens at 8:30 a.m.) 
    Friday 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
    Christian Theological Seminary, 1000 W. 42nd Street
    Shelton Auditorium
    Indianapolis

    For More Information:
    Vivian Finnell
    CEO & Founder
    Not to Believers Like Us, Inc. (N2BLU)
    430 W. Fall Creek Parkway N. Dr., Suite F
    Indianapolis, IN 46208
    317-923-7278 x13
    317-923-5370
    n2blunhe@gmail.com or http://www.n2blunhe.org/


Thursday, October 14

  • Hands of Hope Candlelight Vigil for Domestic Violence
    5:30 p.m.
    Emmanuel Free Will Baptist Church, 129 Southwood Drive
    Wabash
    Spaghetti Dinner begins at 5:30. Vigil to follow.
    Event held in memory of Amanda and Sherry Hines.


Saturday, October 16

  • Domestic Violence Awareness 2nd Annual Chocolate Festival
    6:30 pm -9:30 pm
    Devon Theater, 107 West Mill Street
    Attica

    For More Information:
    Toni McGowen
    Program Coordinator
    Bi-County Domestic Violence Program
    41 North Long Ave, PO Box 415
    Attica, IN  47918
    765-762-6187
    765-762-6188
    tmcgowen@wvhmhc.org
    http://www.wvhmhc.org


  • White Ribbon Family Day at the Park
    1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
    Paoli Community Park (across from the Ritz)
    Paoli

    Raisiing awareness about violence against women and girls
    See performances by several local groups including Tumble Time and Sam Vernon’s Martial Arts and Fitness.  Also, Zumba!

    Calling all boys and men!!!!
    Take a step toward ending violence against women and girls by participating in the All Male Relay. The event will consist of men donning women’s shoes and participating in a relay walk. All you need is a pair of women’s shoes and an interest in supporting a very important cause. Other events include a sidewalk chalk picture contest and the making of a community mural titled Handprints Against Violence. There will be lots of prizes and giveaways and all events are FREE! For questions or to find out more information, call 723-5378.


Monday, October 18

  • Voices of Men
    11:30 a.m.– 1:30 p.m. 
    605 North 6th Street
    Lafayette
    Join us for a lively discussion about the ways in which men can be instrumental in
    ending violence against women – including dating violence, domestic violence, and
    sexual assault. - $20 ($22 if registering on-line).

    For More Information:
    Jasmine Dowd
    Outreach Coordinator
    YWCA Domestic Violence Intervention & Prevention Program
    605 N. 6th Street
    Lafayette, IN  47901
    (765) 423-4486
    (765) 429-5666
    jdowd@ywcalafayette.org


Thursday, October 21

  • Hands of Hope Candlelight Vigil for Domestic Violence
    7:00 p.m.
    St. James Lutheran Church, 1206 Miller Avenue
    Marion
    Guest speaker: Nathan Dalton, Bethel Church Drama Team



Tuesday, October 19

  • Telling Amy's Story
    7:00 p.m.
    Frankfort Library, 208 West Clinton St.
    Frankfort

    An emotional story of the events leading up to a domeestic violence homicide.

    For More Information:
    Fran Lanum, Victim Assistant
    Clinton COunty Prosecutor's Office
    475 Courthouse Square
    Frankfort, IN 46041
    765-659-6350
    765-659-6367
    flanum@clintonco.com
     

Friday, October 22

  • Take Back the Night
    Begins at dusk/dark
    Location: The walk begins at the Fayette County Government Center, 401 N. Central Ave.
    The route will be through downtown Connersville and back to the Fayette Co. Government Center

    Take Back the Night is a community event that encourages members of our community to
    support law enforcement and send the message that violence in our community will not be tolerated.

    For More Information:
    Mona Chilton, Director
    Fayette County Victim Assistance
    401 N. Central Ave.
    Connersville, IN  47331
    765-827-5227
    765-827-9573
    casa@co.fayette.in.us

  • Pampering for a Purpose Night with Candlelight Vigil
    7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.  
    Country Club of Indianapolis, 2801 Country Club Road
    Indianapolis
    Candlelight vigil for 53 victims fallen to domestic violence
    Manicures, facials/makeovers, mini massages, vita flex balancing, jewelry making, scrapbooking,
    hand massages, and much more.

    For More Information:
    Terry Moore
    Executive Director
    Beacon of Hope Center for Women, Inc.
    P.O. Box 34318
    Indianapolis, IN  46234
    317-731-6131
    317-731-6132
    beaconofhopecenter@yahoo.com
    http://www.beaconofhopeindy.org


Saturday, October 23

  • Morgan County Clothesline Project
    Exhibit runs through October 30
    Martinsville Court House Gazebo
    Martinsville

    Desert Rose will display T-Shirts designed by shelter residents and high school students about Domestic Violence,
    Teen Violence, and Sexual Assault to bring about community awareness.

    For More Information:
    Marsha MacPhee-Webster, Executive Director
    Desert Rose Foundation, Inc.
    P.O. Box 1754
    Martinsville, IN 46151
    765-342-ROSE (7673)
    mmacphee@desertrose.cc
    www.desertrose.cc

Monday, October 25

  • Jackson County Report to the Community 
    11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
    Immanuel Lutheran Church, 605 S. Walnut St.
    Seymour

    Turning Point reports to the community successes in 2009  in providing primary prevention and intervention services and the remaining challenges that remain to address in order to fulfill Turning Point’s mission to work toward the elimination of domestic violence.. Key community partners who have collaborated with our agency in support of our mission will be recognized. The highlight of the event will be the recognition of The Survivor of the Year, who has successfully and courageously transitioned out of domestic violence by fully optimizing TP programs and has established growing self-sufficiency and a safer home environment for herself and her family.

    For More Information:
    Nicohl Birdwell Gooding, Director of Resources
    Turning Point Domestic Violence Agency
    P.O. Box 103
    Columbus,
    812-379-5575 ext 202
    812-379-5576
    nbirdwellgoodin@turningpointdv.org
    turningpointdv.org

Friday, October 29

  • Bartholomew County Report to the Community - Recognizing The Survivor of the Year 
    11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
    Holiday Inn Conference Room
    2480 West Jonathan Pike
    Columbus

    Turning Point reports to the community successes in 2009  in providing primary prevention and intervention services and the remaining challenges that remain to address in order to fulfill Turning Point’s mission to work toward the elimination of domestic violence.. Key community partners who have collaborated with our agency in support of our mission will be recognized. The highlight of the event will be the recognition of The Survivor of the Year, who has successfully and courageously transitioned out of domestic violence by fully optimizing TP programs and has established growing self-sufficiency and a safer home environment for herself and her family.

    For More Information:
    Nicohl Birdwell Goodin, Director of Community Resources
    Turning Point Domestic Violence Service Agency
    P.O. Box 103
    Columbus, IN 47202
    812-379-5575 extension 202
    812-379-5576
    nbirdwellgoodin@turningpointdv.org
    turningpointdv.org

Sunday, October 31

  • Open House and Dedication of the Phoenix House
    2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Dedication Ceremony at 3:00 p.m.)
    924 North Main Street
    Rushville

    Shuttle bus rides to and from the site are available at the Rush Memorial Hospital parking lot.
    Please RSPV at (765) 938-1555 or rcva@rushdsl.com. Please present your invitation upon
    arrival to the event.



 

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