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Domestic Violence Awareness MonthOctober 2011
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Dear Advocate,
Once again, the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence joins domestic violence advocates throughout the state in commemorating October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). We begin with the National Call for Unity at 12:00 PST on October 4, 2011 (click here for Call For Unity Flyer). Celebrated since 1981, the first DVAM "Day of Unity" connected advocates across the nation who were working to end domestic violence. The Day of Unity soon became an entire week devoted to a range of activities conducted at the local, state, and national levels. The activities conducted were varied but had common themes: (a) Mourning those who have died because of domestic violence; (b) Celebrating those who have survived; and (c) Connecting those who work to end violence (click here for Mourn, Celebrate, Connect Event Flyers). In October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed, and in 1989 Congress officially designated October as national Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). Similar legislation has passed every year since, with President Obama signing last year's DVAM proclamation (click here for President Obama's Proclamation). All over California, domestic violence advocates will be coordinating their own DVAM activities including local proclamations, awareness events, and media advocacy efforts. In order to support the work of our local programs, The Partnership has prepared some media advocacy resources to assist you in raising awareness about domestic violence in your communities (click here for a Sample Press Release; click here for Talking Points): • Last year, The Partnership was proud to partner with the Verizon Foundation to promote the "Telling Amy's Story" documentary. Narrated by actress and advocate Mariska Hargitay, this 60-minute. Documentary depicts the timeline and events surrounding a domestic violence homicide and serves as a spark for community forums (click here for Telling Amy's Story Flyer). • The National Domestic Violence Awareness Project is launching the 2011 Campaign in a Box that includes a collection of sample materials that can be customized for individual use, educational webinars, and other useful tools to enhance your prevention and awareness efforts. All materials were developed in conjunction with the various organizations represented on the Project Advisory Group, as well as other national, statewide, and culturally specific organizations, projects, and individuals (click here for the 2011 Campaign in a Box). For support in hosting a screening of "Telling Amy's Story" in your community, or if you need assistance with media advocacy efforts for your DVAM events, contact The Partnership's Public Affairs Specialist Camille Hayes at 800.524.4765 or camille@cpedv.org We've also compiled DVAM resources and posted campaign materials on our website including: • Sample proclamations (click here for Sample Proclamation; click here for Sample Proclamation 2; click here for Sample Letter Requesting Proclamation). • Copy-ready logos, graphics and artwork (click here for Purple Ribbon Logo). • Information on public awareness initiatives (click here for Purple Ribbon Campaign; click here for Silent Witness Initiative; click here for Clothesline Project; click here for Remember My Name). For further information about DVAM materials,
or if you need assistance customizing these public awareness campaigns for local use, contact Jacquie Marroquin, Program Coordinator at 800.524.4765 or jacquie@cpedv.org We hope you are able to take advantage of these materials, resources and support from The Partnership to advance public awareness about domestic violence in your communities. It is an honor to work together with one united voice to raise awareness and educate Californians about domestic violence. Here's to a successful California DVAM!!  Tara Shabazz, MA Executive Director |
