This October, AVLF joins organizations and advocates across the country in observing Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). For us, this month is about more than purple ribbons and vigils. It is about honoring survivors, amplifying their voices, and raising awareness of the legal and community support that can help them find safety and stability.
A Month of Solidarity
While AVLF focuses on outreach and advocacy year-round, DVAM is a time for the entire domestic violence community to rally together. Since 1987, advocates nationwide have used October to remember those who lost their lives, celebrate survivors, and work together to end future violence. You can learn more about the history of DVAM here.
Understanding Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is not limited to physical harm. It can include emotional abuse, financial control, isolation, threats, stalking, and other behaviors used to gain power and control over another person. It affects people of every age, background, income level, and community, and it often happens behind closed doors, where survivors may feel they have nowhere to turn.
Why Legal Help Matters
For many survivors, safety and stability depend on legal protection. Leaving an abusive situation can mean seeking a Temporary Protective Order (TPO), resolving custody and child support, ending a marriage, or keeping stable housing. These are complicated processes, and they are even harder to navigate while managing trauma and financial strain.
At the center of this work is our Safe and Stable Families team. Every day, our attorneys, advocates, and volunteers stand with survivors of intimate partner abuse, offering legal representation, safety planning, and direct connections to resources. Whether it is helping someone obtain a TPO, accompanying them to court, or linking them with housing and financial supports, our team exists to ensure survivors do not face the legal system, or life-changing decisions, alone.
Stronger Together
The work of ending domestic violence cannot be done by any one organization. In past years, our team has trained faith leaders and sheriffs on how to spot domestic violence and create safe spaces for those in need. We have also hosted open houses at the Safe Families Office, which we co-run with the Partnership Against Domestic Violence (PADV), to educate Fulton County Courthouse staff and encourage collaboration between departments. We have joined community partners such as Tapestri, Inc. at forums centered on the needs of refugee and immigrant survivors.
One of the most moving moments of the month is the annual Candlelight Vigil hosted by PADV. Survivors share their personal stories, and a candle is lit for each person in Georgia who lost their life to domestic violence in the previous year. It is a powerful reminder of why this work matters, and of what can be accomplished when many organizations come together.
How We Will Show Up This Month
Throughout October, you can find our team at community events, resource fairs, and vigils across Atlanta.
Join Us in the Community: Upcoming Outreach & Awareness Events
Check out our partner events throughout Atlanta!
- Oct 8 | 6:00–8:00pm — Partnership Against Domestic Violence (PADV) Candlelight Vigil
- Oct 15 | All Day — Purple Thursday | Wear Purple in Support of Survivors
- Oct 20 | 2:00–4:00pm — Domestic Violence Awareness Day (Fulton County Atrium)
- Oct 20 | Time TBD — Spelman College Candlelight Vigil
- Nov 7 | 8:00am–9:15am — STOP Domestic Violence Abuse 5k (Chastain Park)
Follow along on our blog and social media for event details and updates.
How You Can Help
Awareness is only the first step. This month, consider:
- Learning the signs of domestic violence so you can recognize when someone you know may need support
- Sharing resources with friends, family, and colleagues
- Volunteering your time and legal expertise to help a survivor in need
- Supporting AVLF so we can continue providing free legal help to those who need it
If You Need Help
- Georgia Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline (GCADV): Call 1-800-33-HAVEN (1-800-334-2836), available 24 hours a day. Calls are automatically connected to the nearest certified shelter, and the line can be reached from anywhere in Georgia.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788. The hotline is free and available 24/7.
- Immediate danger: If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Thank you for joining us in this important work. Together, we can help ensure that every survivor has access to safety, justice, and hope.