October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month!
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month! At DVIP & RVAP, we are deeply committed to supporting victims/survivors, educating the public, and advocating for systemic change. DVAM allows us to highlight our efforts and work towards creating safer communities. We have planned several events and activities throughout our eight-county service region to support our cause and build awareness for our services.
Shop for Safety & Shop for Shelter
One of our most significant initiatives during DVAM is our annual Shop for Safety and Shop for Shelter events. These events are critical to ensuring that victim-survivors served by DVIP & RVAP have access to the essential goods they need throughout the year.
Shop for Safety: October 10th, 2:30-4 p.m.
We are partnering with several grocery stores in our rural counties on this event. Volunteers, board members, and staff will be onsite at each location to solicit donations for our organization’s most needed items. The goods collected at this event will provide hygiene items, household cleaning supplies, and food for the individuals our agency serves within our seven counties outside of Johnson each year.
Participating stores include Burlington Hy-Vee, Mount Pleasant Hy-Vee, Keokuk Hy-Vee, Washington Hy-Vee, Fort Madison Fairway
Shop for Shelter: October 19th, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
We are partnering with several grocery stores in Johnson County on this event. Volunteers, board members, and staff will be onsite at each location to solicit donations for our organization’s most needed items. The goods collected at this event will provide hygiene items, household cleaning supplies, and food for the individuals our agency serves at Terry Fortmann Emergency Shelter each year.
Participating stores include North Liberty Fairway, Iowa City Fairway, University Heights Fairway, North Dodge Hy-Vee, First Ave. Hy-Vee, Waterfront Hy-Vee, Lantern Park Hy-Vee, Cross Park Hy-Vee
Your participation in these events makes a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by domestic violence.
City and County Proclamations
DVIP staff will receive proclamations at city council meetings and board of supervisor meetings throughout our service region. This activity highlights the important partnerships we have with our communities, and to thank them for supporting victims/survivors.
Wear Purple Day
Purple is the national color representing those most vulnerable in our communities, and on October 17th, we invite you to join us in wearing purple to show your support for victim-survivors. This simple yet powerful gesture not only raises awareness but also demonstrates solidarity with those who have experienced domestic violence.
We encourage you to share your photos on social media using the hashtag #PurpleForAPurpose. By doing so, you help spread the message that we stand together in the fight against domestic violence and that there is hope, help, and healing available.
Sweets for Safety
DVIP & RVAP also uses this time to celebrate the support that victim-survivors receive from our public safety officials, including EMTs, firefighters, and the police and sheriff’s departments across our eight service counties. Their dedication to protecting and serving our communities is vital to our mission, and we show our gratitude for their commitment to victim-survivors by supplying them with baked goods throughout October.
DVAM Book Displays at Local Libraries
This October, we are launching DVAM book displays at libraries throughout our service region. These displays feature literature that addresses and represents domestic violence and that offers insights and resources to those who may be experiencing or have experienced domestic violence. This initiative is a crucial part of our efforts to educate the public and create a culture of understanding and support.
Participating libraries include: Tipton, West Branch, Burlington, West Burlington SCC, Mount Pleasant, Iowa City, North Liberty, Coralville, Keokuk, Fort Madison, Keosaqua, Washington, Kalona, Williamsburg, and Marengo.
For more information, view our Domestic Violence Awareness Through Media post!
DVAM is a reminder that domestic violence is a critical issue that affects individuals and families in every community. Your involvement—whether through volunteering, donating, or using this month to raise awareness in your own way—makes a huge difference in the lives of victim-survivors. We invite you to stand with DVIP & RVAP this October and beyond as we work together to create safer, more supportive communities in southern Iowa and beyond.
Donate: How to Donate
Volunteer: Get Involved