The Domestic Violence Resource Network (DVRN) is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to inform and strengthen domestic violence intervention and prevention efforts at the individual, community, and societal levels. DVRN works collaboratively to promote practices and strategies to improve our nation’s response to domestic violence and make safety and justice not just a priority, but also a reality. DVRN member organizations ensure that victims of domestic violence and professionals (including but not limited to advocates, community‐based programs, case managers, and government leaders at the local, state, tribal and federal levels) have access to up‐to-date information on best practices, policies, research, and victim resources.

love is respect hosts Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) annually as an effort to focus on advocacy and education to stop dating abuse before it starts. The theme, “Love Like That,” illuminates what ‘that’ means regarding healthy and unhealthy relationships. This webpage offers the 2024 TDVAM materials, including an action guide, a calendar of events, and a social media guide.

The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center is hosting a re-watch of a webinar hosted originally in 2023, on February 21, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. ET. In this live re-watch, participants will hear a discussion on how youth advocates can address teen dating violence in Tribal communities. The webinar will include available tools and resources for Native youth; defining violent versus healthy relationships, and empowering the next generation through Indigenous values.

The targeting and scale of missing Indigenous relatives is deeply concerning and rooted in historical injustices, marginalization, and socio-economic disparities. The connection between exploitation and the displacement of Indigenous communities underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of vulnerability. This involves enhancing collaboration between Indigenous leaders, law enforcement, and policy makers to develop effective strategies for prevention, intervention, and support for victims and their families as described in the findings of the Not Invisible Act Commission. This blogpost from the Administration for Native Americans (ANA) and the Office on Trafficking in Persons (OTIP) provides resources for tribal leaders, Indigenous-led organizations, and state and federal partners committed to searching for missing relatives and loved ones. The resources include a podcast series on Missing and Murdered Indigenous People, a paper on culturally based prevention strategies, online trainings on strengthening screening and trauma-informed responses to human trafficking – and more.

The Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services (OFVPS) leads Administration for Children and Families' comprehensive approach to domestic violence prevention and administers the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) to improve support for families and individuals experiencing violence and trauma. Each October, OFVPS recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month by standing in solidarity with survivors, their loved ones, advocates, and communities to mourn those who lives have been lost to domestic violence; to celebrate the accomplishments to end and prevent further violence; and to connect with others leading this movement to transform communities to be more inclusive and supportive of all individuals and families fleeing violence. 

FVPSA grant recipients are hosting engaging events throughout October 2023. A few highlights are listed below: 

• October 11, 2023: 24th Annual Health Cares About Domestic Violence Day (HCADV Day) is hosted by Futures without Violence, starting at 1:00 p.m. EST. Participants who attend this webinar will be able to better describe the role domestic violence programs can have in addressing the health needs of survivors, gain access to at least two tools their organization can utilize to formalize a partnership with a health provider/program, and identify at least one health policy opportunity to increase health access for survivors.
• October 13, 2023: Pregnant and Surviving: Maternal Health in the Black Community is hosted by the Ujima Inc., starting at 12:00 p.m. EST. This virtual conversation will focus on the intersections of domestic violence and birthing, as well as ways to better support Black pregnant survivors. 
• October 19, 2023: Purple Thursday National Domestic Violence Awareness Day is an all day event where you are invited to wear purple, be a voice, and start a conversation about domestic violence! Take a photo of yourself wearing purple and share it on social media for #PurpleThursday! Be sure to tag the DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence #DCCADV. 
• October 19, 2023: Supporting Survivors at the Intersections of Mental Health and Substance Use is hosted by the National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma, and Mental Health. This webinar will start at 3:00 p.m. EST and will share new and forthcoming tools to support survivors, advocates, behavioral health providers, and organizations. 
• October 25, 2023: Understanding the Dynamics and Tactics of Intimate Partner Violence through the Lens of Indigenous Survivors is hosted by the National Indigenous Women's Resource Center, starting at 9:00 a.m. EST. This webinar will provide an overview of root causes by domestic violence in Indigenous communities as well as highlight the importance of traditional, cultural practices in strengthening and building the capacity to provide effective, respectful advocacy. 

OFVPS invites you to strengthen community-based partnerships and support meaningful action for individuals, youth, and families in your communities. Nationally, there are many opportunities for you to support and stand in partnership with survivors. Please help OFVPS raise awareness about these events by sharing the OFVPS 2023 DVAM Calendar of Events, which includes the above events and many more. 

Want to learn more? This domestic violence 101 course was developed by FVPSA grant recipients - the Battered Women's Justice Project, the National Domestic Violence Hotline, and the Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence.

How can you help? FVPSA-funded helplines and hotlines have increased their texting and online services to better provide counseling and advocacy by phone, text, or online chat. Discussing domestic violence is never easy which is why the National Domestic Violence Hotline, and StrongHearts Native Helpline are available for anyone who needs support. Should you or someone you know need help talking about domestic violence or abuse, please reach out to a hotline or helpline for support. There are caring advocates standing by to discuss safety options and supportive services available in your community.

Your leadership and continued support will make a huge difference for those striving for meaningful social change for millions of survivors in their communities! Thank you! 

The U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau protects the interests of working women, advocates for their equality and economic security, and promotes quality work environments. In recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, the Women’s Bureau is hosting a virtual conversation on October 17, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET about domestic violence (DV) awareness and how it relates to the principles of gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH). Participants will learn innovative ways employers can approach their response to DV and GVBH in the workplace.

The Domestic Violence (DV) and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) webpage on the PeerTA website identifies information and resources that are targeted to supporting survivors of domestic violence and intimate partner violence. This webpage includes:

• A statement of the Administration for Children and Families’ (ACF) Commitment to Supporting Families Struggling with DV/IPV.
• Information on the importance of Training Partnerships, which are critical to helping human services staff provide support to victims of sexual harassment or survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking and to their children when accessing Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs.
• Resources Available for TANF agency staff to help them make every effort to assist families and children who are experiencing sexual harassment, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, including:
  • OFA-sponsored technical assistance;
  • Contact information for Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) state and territory administrators and coalitions;
  • Links to FVPSA DV Training and Technical Assistance national and culturally specific resource centers; and
  • A listing of ACF Safe Access for Victims’ Economic Security (SAVES) demonstration grants designed to develop, evaluate, and implement best practices to provide safe access to child support and parenting time services.
• The Office of Family Violence and Prevention Services (OFVPS)’ contact information for inquiries related to FVPSA DV resources or resource centers, as well as directions for making TANF Policy Inquiries.

The child support program serves parents in the context of their community. Child support agencies work with community-based organizations to help meet parent needs,and enhance the success of families in child support programs. This compendium reflects the diversity of child support partnerships across the country; it includes resources and fact sheets on employment, reentry, family violence, responsible fatherhood, homelessness, parental education, and preventing the need for child support services by addressing the importance of being emotionally and financially prepared to support a child.

In support of the Administration for Children and Families’ (ACF) mission and strategic plan, ACF has developed a set of materials intended to provide guidance to hard-to-reach populations to increase their awareness and understanding of the array of resources that may be able to assist them. These resources are explicitly designed to be user-friendly and easy to digest. The materials include resources for transition-age youth exiting foster care, families with children ages 0-12, prospective Head Start participants, survivors of domestic violence looking to find and keep housing, fathers looking for benefits programs or parenting tips, and providers supporting those seeking post-disaster housing.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey estimates that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men experience intimate partner violence in their lifetimes. Survivors of gender-based violence often face multiple barriers to employment, including limited skills, gaps in their education and work histories, housing instability, and mental health and substance use needs. Urban Institute conducted an evaluation of the Career Readiness Training Program, Sanctuary for Families’ workforce development program in New York City designed specifically for domestic violence survivors. This Urban Institute report explores the findings of the evaluation – for example, after completing the program, clients were more successful in overcoming critical barriers to employment such as low self-esteem, gaining employment, and improving financial self-sufficiency.