Behind Every Number Is a Story: October Is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

photo of a woman holding a man's hand

At its Oct. 1 meeting, the Board of County Commissioners proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Mecklenburg County, and Oct. 12 as Domestic Violence Survivors Day.

Domestic violence can affect people from every background and identity, and can take many forms—physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, psychological, financial, and more. Law enforcement agencies in Charlotte-Mecklenburg receive more than 25,000 calls each year related to domestic violence, while the impact of domestic violence is much greater.

“Domestic violence is a pervasive problem that affects individuals and families across our community, transcending age, race, and socioeconomic status. It thrives in silence, often hidden behind closed doors, and the consequences can be devastating,” said Tanisha Patterson-Powe, chair of the Domestic Violence Advisory Board who accepted the proclamation.

“Every person deserves to live free from fear and violence and it is our responsibility to ensure that we have the resources and support they need to escape abusive situations. Together, we can create a culture of zero tolerance for domestic violence. Together, we can empower survivors to reclaim their lives, and advocate for policies that protect and support them.” 

Events

Download event flyer

Domestic Violence Community Resource Fair

Mecklenburg County and its partners will host a Domestic Violence Community Resource Fair: 

The fair will include speakers who have survived domestic violence, resources from local agencies and vendors, and refreshments.

Attendees or prospective vendors can RSVP online

Partners in the Domestic Violence Community Resource Fair are Mecklenburg County, the City of Charlotte, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, and Safe Alliance. 

Empowerment Walk

Mecklenburg County’s Department of Community Support Services is also co-hosting a Domestic Violence Awareness Empowerment Walk:

An event after the walk will feature music, children’s activities, refreshments, guest speakers, and survivor stories. The walk is sponsored by Shante Cotton, a member of Mecklenburg County’s Domestic Violence Speakers Bureau.

Attendees can learn more and register online. 

4TH Annual Purple & Pearls “All Shades” 

Wear Purple

Purple Thursday or “Go Purple Day” is a national day of action on Oct. 17 during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Everyone is encouraged to wear all things purple as a symbol of peace, courage, survival, honor, and personal dedication to domestic violence awareness.  

Jamie Kimble Foundation for Courage: Women for Courage

Domestic Violence Speakers Bureau Training

 

Mecklenburg County’s Department of Community Support Services offers services for individuals and families impacted by intimate partner violence, including free counseling, supervised visitation and safe exchange services, state-certified Domestic Violence Intervention Program, outpatient substance use assessment and treatment, community education, and teen dating abuse prevention. The Department of Community Support Services also houses the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Domestic Violence Advisory Board and coordinates the Mecklenburg Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team.