Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the “Day of Unity” organized by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence in October 1981. The intent was to connect advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children. The Day of Unity soon became an entire week devoted to a range of activities conducted at the local, state, and national level. The first Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) was observed in 1987 and Congress has designated October as DVAM every year since 1989.
The theme remains the same today:
Mourning those who have lost their lives,
Celebrating those who have survived,
And supporting those who work to end all forms of violence.
In 2020, at the Kewaunee County Courthouse, we had a shoe display where each pair of shoes represents one of the 43 individuals that were killed in 2019 due to domestic violence.
Outside of Violence Intervention Project, we also had a ribbon for each of the individual's that were killed, along with his or her story.
.jpg)
Violence Intervention Project, with the help of Kewaunee Grade School and East Shore Industries decorated and distributed 198 rocks around the community. Why 198 rocks? In 2018, VIP served a total of 198 individuals. If you find a rock, you can either hide it again, or keep it for yourself. The search for the rocks is still on!
VIP gets involved with DVAM in a variety of ways including speaking engagements, informational displays, and articles in our local newspapers. Contact us and learn how you can help spread awareness this October!
