October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month! This year’s theme is “Inspiring Safety In Our Communities.” We have several events and activities planned throughout our eight-county service region to build awareness for our services and to highlight our community partnerships.

Saturday, October 1st: Kick-off at Kinnick Concession Sales

Join us on Saturday, October 1st for our Kick-off at Kinnick Concession Sale! We’ll be kicking off DVAM by spending time with Hawkeye fans during their bout with Michigan. We’ll be at Stand 16 selling refreshments, with 100% of tips and 10% of the stands total sales going to victim/survivors.

Thursday, October 6th: Introductory Presentation on Domestic Violence Intervention and Supporting Victims at Williamsburg Public Library

Our Director of Community Engagement Alta Medea will be giving a presentation on domestic violence intervention on October 6th at 6:00 PM at the Williamsburg Public Library. Join us to learn more about how you can build safety and support victims in your community.

Friday, October 7th: Inspiring Safety in Our Community Facebook Live

Hear from DVIP staff and volunteers about how we inspire safety in our community through advocacy, volunteering, more. We’ll be sharing our stories live on Facebook and Instagram every hour on the hour for eight hours. Tune in on Facebook at @iowadvip and on Instagram at @dvipiowa.

Saturday, October 15th: Shop for Shelter 9:30AM-1:30PM

DVIP will host their 16th annual Shop for Shelter event on October 15th, 2022 from 9:30 AM-1:30 PM. DVIP is partnering with several grocery stores in the Iowa City area on this event.

DVIP volunteers, board members, and staff will be onsite at each location to solicit donations for the organization’s most needed items. The goods collected at this event will provide hygiene items, household cleaning supplies, and food for over 1,100 individuals the agency serves within Johnson County each year.

Thursday, October 20th: Wear Purple Day

Join DVIP staff on Thursday, 10/20 in wearing purple to support victim/survivors. Purple is the national color used to represent those most vulnerable in our communities. Be sure to share your photos on social media and use the hashtag #DVAM22.

Friday, October 21st, and Saturday, October 22nd: DVIP Night at the Iowa Heartlanders

$3 from every ticket sold goes back to DVIP

There will be Socks for Survivors donation barrels at the entrances to the arena and in the Team Store

DVIP staff will be present at both games sharing information about the services we provide

Saturday, October 22nd: Punk Show to Benefit DVIP

The Punk Show to Benefit DVIP was originally going to be held in June. The event has been rescheduled for October 22nd at The James Theater.

Wednesday, October 26th: Shop for Safety 4-7 PM

Shop for Safety: DVIP will host Shop for Safety on October 26th, 2022 from 4:00 PM-7:00 PM. DVIP is partnering with grocery stores in Burlington and Mt. Pleasant for this event. Participating stores include:

• Hy-Vee locations in Burlington on Agency and Angular Street
• Hy-Vee in Mt. Pleasant

DVIP volunteers and staff will be onsite at each location to solicit donations for the organization’s most needed items. The goods collected at this event will provide hygiene items, household cleaning supplies, and food for over 900 individuals the agency serves in rural areas.

Media Displays at Local Libraries

Stop by your local library to check out DVIP’s list of staff recommended books. You’ll also find interactive posters featuring survivor stories, DVIP bookmarks, stickers, and information. Community members are encouraged to share the ways they inspire safety on special comment cards that will be incorporated into the display.

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 elected leaders in our communities, and to thank them for supporting victim/survivors.