Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Nearly three out of four Americans personally know someone who is or has been a victim of domestic violence. Now is the time to take a stand. Support survivors and speak out against domestic violence all month long.

Your participation helps bring the cause of domestic violence awareness to the light, whether it’s through attendance at events, donations to our programs, or by sharing our status updates, everything you do helps amplify the voices of survivors and continue the dialogue of violence prevention and Domestic Violence services.

EVENTS OVERVIEW:

  • September 29 – October 2: Empty Place at Table,  Worcester State University, Student Center
  • September 29 – October 2: Empty Place at Table, Southbridge DTA
  • October 6 – October 9: Empty Place at Table, City of Fitchburg, City Hall
  • October 6 – October 9: Empty Place at Table, City of Leominster, City Hall
  • October 6: Empty Place at Table, City of Gardner, City Hall
  • October 6 – October 10: Empty Place at Table, Worcester Public Library
  • October 7 – October 10: Empty Place at Table, Worcester DTA
  • October 12: Empty Place at Table, UU Church, Shore Drive, Worcester
  • October 14 – October 17: Empty Place at Table, Quinsigamond Community College
  • October 14 – October 17: Empty Place at Table, Fitchburg DTA
  • October 16: Flag Raising and Vigil at YWCA
  • October 16: Wear Purple Day (take/post selfies and tag YWCA CM)
  • October 20- October 24: Week Without Violence
  • October 20 – October 24: Empty Place at Table, Quinsigamond Community College
  • October 20 – October 24: Empty Place at Table, WPI, Student Union
  • October 20 – October 24: Empty Place at Table, City of Worcester, City Hall
  • October 27 – November 1: Empty Place at Table, Mount Wachusett Community College, Atrium

Worcester Domestic Violence Vigil & Flag Raising | October 16 at 5:00 PM | YWCA

Join YWCA Central Massachusetts  on Wednesday, October 16, 2025 at 5:00 p.m at YWCA as we honor those who’ve lost their lives to domestic violence in our community during a special vigil and Proclamation reading.

 

Start A Fundraiser

We need your help to continue to grow the impact of our work. Support us by starting a Facebook fundraiser during the month of October.

Here’s how you can start your own Domestic Violence Awareness Month fundraiser:
1. Click here to start a fundraiser on Facebook
2. Set a goal – any goal. Every dollar makes a difference!
3. Pick a start and end date. We suggest running it throughout the month of October.
4. Name the fundraiser. Here’s some suggestions:

  • Domestic Violence Awareness Month
  • Break the Cycle: DVAM
  • Ending Domestic Violence

5. Write a description to let people know why this fundraiser is important or use ours:

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Nearly three out of four Americans personally know someone who is or has been a victim of domestic violence. Now is the time to take a stand. Support survivors and speak out against domestic violence all month long.

I’m joining YWCA Central Massachusetts to help break the cycle of domestic violence. Throughout the month of October, I’m raising funds to support the YW’s mission to raise awareness of domestic violence, support survivors, and promote healthy relationships.

Through their programs and campaigns, such as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, they seek to raise awareness of intimate partner violence and work to provide direct and comprehensive support to survivors, and create community solutions that prevent domestic violence and promote healthy relationships.

Learn more about their Domestic Violence Services:  https://ywcacm.org/domestic-violence-awareness-month/

7. Publish & Share!

Domestic Violence Resources

Domestic violence services are designed to meet the needs of survivors and their children whose lives are affected by interpersonal violence. All services are confidential, free of charge, and can be accessed by calling the 24-hour helpline at 508-755-9030, or by using our chat line: www.ywcahelp.com.

YWCA Central Massachusetts has developed a comprehensive domestic violence program that encompasses a social justice service delivery system that can respond to survivors of domestic violence effectively and efficiently. The design of each component is intended to address specific areas in the continuum of domestic violence services – ranging from confidential emergency shelter for survivors and children fleeing from imminent danger to non-residential community based services, advocacy and support. It strives to address all forms of intimate partner violence simultaneously. Battered Women’s Resources (BWR) and Daybreak are programs of the YWCA Central Massachusetts.

24-Hour Helpline: 508-755-9030
Our 24-hour helpline service provides emotional support, domestic violence advocacy, referrals to community resources, safety planning and crisis intervention. The helpline is answered by trained advocates who offer thoughtful attention. The helpline accepts collect calls.

Online Help/Chat Line: ywcahelp.com
The daily chatline service provides emotional support, domestic violence advocacy, referrals to community resources, safety planning and crisis intervention. The chatline is answered by trained advocates who offer thoughtful attention. The chat line address is www.ywcahelp.com

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