KATIE KING | November 18, 2017
For this year’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we focused on collaboration among organizations.
If you’ve been following Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation on social media or in real life, you probably already know: October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Throughout the month, our Safe and Stable Families team appeared at numerous events to educate Atlantans on community resources and honor those who have fallen victim to violence.
While AVLF focuses on outreach and advocacy throughout the year, Domestic Violence Awareness Month–or DVAM as it is commonly called–is a time for the entire domestic violence community to rally together in a show of solidarity and support. Since 1987, advocates nationwide take October to remember those who lost their lives, celebrate survivors, and work together to end future violence. (You can learn more about DVAM’s history here.)
At the 6th Annual Candlelight Vigil, a candle was lit for each person who lost their lives to domestic violence in Georgia in 2016. The youngest honored was 2 years old; the oldest honored was 86.
AVLF takes part in DVAM every year, but in 2017 we were more engaged and connected than ever before. Our Safe and Stable Families team participated in and supported training both faith leaders and sheriffs on how to spot domestic violence and create safe spaces for those in need. In addition to attending multiple resource fairs, they also hosted an open house at the Safe Families Office, which is co-run by AVLF and the Partnership Against Domestic Violence (PADV). The event was open to everyone who works at the Fulton County Courthouse, aimed at educating staff about the ramifications of domestic violence and encouraging collaboration between departments.
Staff Attorney Nilufar Abdi-Tabari presented at the “Domestic Violence Forum: The Refugee and Immigrant Journey: Past, Present and Future,” hosted by Tapestri, Inc. In addition to talking about her experiences with domestic violence and family law, she accepted an award on behalf of the entire organization naming AVLF a Tapestri Community Partner of the Year.
Especially memorable was the 6th Annual Candlelight Vigil, hosted by PADV. The vigil provided space for survivors to share their personal stories. In a moving display, a candle was lit for each person who lost their lives to domestic violence in Georgia in 2016. The youngest honored was 2 years old; the oldest honored was 86.
The event was a testament to the great work that can be accomplished when various organizations come together, as it was co-sponsored by AVLF, Ahimsa House, Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network, Fulton County Family Violence Task Force, Raksha, Securus House, International Women’s House, the Office of the Solicitor General of Fulton County, and Tapestri.
Check out photos from various events below.
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Want to know more about what’s happening in our domestic violence programs? Check out our other blogs featuring our Safe and Stable Families Project.
Katie King
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Katie handles all of the online communications for AVLF, overseeing the organization’s social media campaigns, newsletters, and website. She is passionate about community engagement and the city of Atlanta. Katie holds a B.S. in Journalism from Boston University and a M.A. in Southern Studies from the University of Mississippi. Follow her on social media at @katiecarterking.