October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) in 2025. This month serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about domestic violence, share information, and support victims and survivors. According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), millions of people across the UK are experiencing domestic abuse in one form or another. Sadly, you will almost definitely know someone that is experiencing it.
An estimated 2.1 million adults aged 16 to 74 experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2023.
- The majority of victims are women but men can be affected too
- 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men experience domestic abuse
- Many victims suffer in silence due to fear, stigma, or lack of support
Raising awareness is important if we are going to:
- Break the silence and stigma surrounding abuse
- Encourage victims and survivors to seek help – often the abuse continues long after the victim has left her abuser
- Educate the public on the signs of abuse and healthy relationships
- Promote services and support for survivors
Whether you know someone who is experiencing domestic abuse, experiencing domestic abuse yourself or simply, just want to help, here is a few things you can do:
- Wear a white ribbon to show your support for victims and survivors
- Share resources on social media using hashtags like #YouAreNotAlone #MakingDomesticAbuseSociallyUnnaceptable
- Volunteer for your local refuge service. Refuges always need volunteers.
- Educate yourself and others about recognising abuse and responding safely
- Make a donation to a domestic abuse organisation.
(Source https://www.ncdv.org.uk/what-is-domestic-abuse-awareness-month)
#YouAreNotAlone #MakingDomesticAbuseSociallyUnnaceptable