A single ‘Day of Unity' observed by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence in 1981 quickly evolved into a full month of support and activities, conducted at the local, state and national levels, to raise awareness of domestic violence. On October 6, 1989 Congress passed Public Law 101-112, opens a new window, designating October of that year as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This month's resources focus on connecting those who live with the risk of violence and those who work to end it.
Virtual trainings by Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Collaborating to Support Survivors: Systems and Community Advocates Working Together – October 7, 2-4pm
Money Talks – Housing – October 16, 10am – 12pm
In-Person Events in the Region
Domestic Violence Awareness Month Celebration 2024 - October 17 at 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Hosted jointly by the YWCA Seattle – King – Snohomish, the Coalition Ending Gender-Based Violence, King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office VAWA STOP Grant, the Washington Office of Public Defense, and Seattle Housing Authority.
Located at New Holly Gathering Hall, 7054 32nd Ave S Seattle 98118
Get Help
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or abuse, these local agencies provide 24/7 assistance.
Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County
Call the 24-Hour Hotline:
425-25-ABUSE (425-252-2873)
Access support groups, emergency shelter, legal advocacy, and domestic violence education.
Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County, opens a new window
Citizens Against Domestic Violence (CADA) - Island County
24-Hour Crisis Line:
360-675-2232
800-215-5669
Citizens Against Domestic & Sexual Abuse
Providence Everett Sexual Assault Center 24-hour crisis line 425-252-4800
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-7233 (also en Español)
1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
Text "START" to 88788
National Domestic Violence Hotline, opens a new window (chat live)
Suggested Titles to Learn More
The Big Bad Wolf in My House - This powerful picture book is told through the eyes of a young girl as her mother's new suitor moves into her house. Creators Valérie Fontaine and Nathalie Dion made this a powerful, moving story about violence in the home that ends on a note of hope and found community.
Saints of the Household by Ari Tison - In this fictional tale, brothers Max and Jay help a classmate in trouble, but struggle with the consequences of their violent actions and worry they may be more like their abusive father than they thought. The brothers turn to their Bribri (Indigenous Costa Rican) roots to find their way forward.
Surviving: Why We Stay and How We Leave Abusive Relationships by Beverly Gooden - When survivors of domestic violence reveal their predicaments, the first question many ask is "Why did you stay?" Here, an abuse survivor answers that question through her own story of survival and offers help to those who want to leave and rebuild their lives.
Abused Men by Philip W. Cook - An award-winning investigative journalist provides a disturbing look at an underreported type of domestic violence—the abuse of men.
All the Flowers Kneeling by Paul Tran - This book of poetry is a profound meditation on physical, emotional, and psychological transformation in the aftermath of imperial violence and interpersonal abuse, from a poet both "tender and unflinching."
Library Database Information
These library resources raise awareness of the issue of domestic violence in our society, and share the powerful stories of survivors.
- Domestic Violence Awareness, opens a new window
- Understanding Domestic Violence, opens a new window
- TOUGH ISSUES: Love Doesn't Have To Hurt: Dating Violence, opens a new window
- TOUGH ISSUES: Surviving Abuse, opens a new window
- October: National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, opens a new window
- Streaming videos about domestic violence, opens a new window
- GALE eBook Library on domestic violence, opens a new window
- Peer reviewed articles on domestic violence against men. Requires library card.
