Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is a national campaign dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence in October. Congress declared the month of October to be Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1989.

For DVAM 2025, the Domestic Violence Awareness Project is proud to introduce the theme With Survivors, Always. This theme allows us to explore what it means to be in partnership with survivors toward safety, support, and solidarity. It is both a love letter and a call to action for those committed to advocating for survivors’ needs and rights.

Do you need more information about domestic violence? Check out our page here.

FUNDRAISING

DVAM is a critical fundraising time for organizations dealing with gender-based violence such as The Network. Here are a few ways you can get involved:

• Download our fundraising toolkit.
• Download our social media toolkit to help spread awareness during the month of October.
• Create a fundraiser on Facebook or Instagram to benefit The Network.

The Network has a number of special fundraising rewards in store for its supporters this October, so stay tuned!

EVENTS

We are proud to highlight events being hosted by The Network and its member organizations this DVAM. Please see below for more information.

The Network Events

October 7
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
You Are Not Alone!
Daley Plaza, Chicago, IL
Chicago’s anti-gender-based violence organizations are banding together to shine a spotlight on domestic violence and show survivors there’s a whole community of us here to help. Click here to register.

October 7
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Measuring Safety Report Presentation
Virtual via Zoom
Join the Policy, Advocacy, and Research team at The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence to learn about the key takeaways from the fifth volume of Measuring Safety 2024, a data report series on gender-based violence in Illinois, which focuses on gender-based violence services provided across the state. Domestic and sexual violence non-profits reach tens of thousands of survivors with lifesaving services each year. Click here to register.

October 12
8:00 am
Bank of America Marathon
Join us to cheer on The Network’s BoA Marathon team, Run DV Out of Town! The official Network cheering station is near the Mexican Consulate.

October 16
All day
Wear Purple Day
Wear purple today to show your support for survivors of domestic violence! Tag us on social media: @TheNetworkAADV.

October 16
7:00 pm
Bulls vs. Timberwolves Basketball Game
Join us for a thrilling Bulls vs. Timberwolves basketball game to support the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline and survivors! $25 of each ticket purchased goes directly to The Network. Click here to buy your tickets today!

October 23
8:00 am – 10:00 am
Leading Together Partnership Breakfast
The Dalcy, 302 N. Green St., Third Floor, Chicago, IL
During the Breakfast, the Network convenes its supporters, member organizations, champions, and community leaders to celebrate accomplishments and set bold goals for the future – to ultimately end domestic violence. The Leading Together Partnership Breakfast is a perfect opportunity to meet like-minded individuals in the community who are committed to ending gender-based violence. Click here to view more information about the event, our Leadership Awards, and to buy tickets.

Member Organization Events

October 1
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Between Friends: Light Up the Lakefront
Ohio Street Beach, 600 N. Jean-Baptiste Point, Dusable Lake Shore Dr.
More information: click here.

October 1
8:00 am – 4:00 pm
North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic: 3rd Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Conference
Rosalind Franklin University, 3333 N. Green Bay Rd., North Chicago, IL
More information: click here.

October 3
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Family Rescue: 21st Annual Domestic Violence Awareness March
Bessemer Park Auditorium, 8930 S. Muskegon Ave.
More information: click here.

October 4
6:00 pm
WINGS: Purple Tie Ball
The Westin O’Hare
More information: click here.

October 11
4:00 pm
And Rise Women
Comedy for a Cause
Zanies Rosemont, 5437 Park Pl, Rosemont
More information: click here.

October 13
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
YWCA Evanston/North Shore: 40-Hour Domestic Violence Training
1215 Church Street Evanston, IL
More information: click here.

October 15
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation: Celebrating Allies: A Night of Impact
320 S. Canal St., Chicago, IL
More information: click here.

October 16
5:30 pm
Life Span: Light to Life Gala
1520 W. Fulton St., Chicago, IL
More information: click here.

October 18
7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Sarah’s Inn: Stand Tall 2025: 45th Anniversary Celebration
Oak Park Country Club
More information: click here.

October 18
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Inellas Restoration Center: Honoring Every Shade of Strength Brunch
9050 W 159th St., Orland Park, IL
More information: click here.

October 20
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Mujeres Latinas en Accion
Community Vigil & Art Gallery
2124 W. 21st Pl. Chicago

October 20
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Love & Protect Wisdom: Tower Over Domestic Violence
VU Rooftop, 133 E. Cermak Rd., Chicago, IL
More information: click here.

October 21
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Center on Halsted: Stretching & Thriving
3656 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 
More information: click here.

October 24
6:00 pm
Ernestine’s Daughter: Brezzy: The Story of Brenda Myers Powell
3001 W. Peterson Ave., Chicago, IL
More information: click here.

October 24
6:00 pm
Connections for Abused Women and their Children: Sounds of Silence Gala
3020 W Carroll Ave, Chicago, IL
More information: click here.