Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which traditionally occurs in October, evolved from the first Day of Unity in October 1981 sponsored by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The original intent was to connect battered women’s advocates across the country who were working to end violence against women and children. The range of activities focused on honoring women who were killed, celebrating women who survived, and uniting advocates working in the field.

In light of the work of thousands of dedicated domestic violence advocates across the country and the disturbingly high prevalence of domestic violence, Domestic Violence Awareness Month has become a powerful vehicle for keeping this issue visible and for celebrating the strength of survivors.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a time when domestic violence advocates, health care providers, businesses, community leaders, unions, faith based groups, and the public participate in events nationwide to create awareness and raise consciousness about intimate partner violence.

About Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Whatcom County…

In Whatcom County, the Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission Against Domestic Violence (BWCCDV) provides a leadership and coordination role in Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  The BWCCADV hosts its own activities, including an annual Domestic Violence Vigil and Labyrinth Walk.  The BWCCADV also supports local participating agencies by promoting awareness events and activities.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

In 1999, the United Nations General Assembly designated November 25th as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This was done in response to the fact that violence against women and girls is a problem of pandemic proportions.

Women’s activists have marked November 25th as a day against violence since 1981. The date commemorates the brutal assassination of the three Mirabal sisters, political activists in the Dominican Republic, in 1960 on orders of Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo (1930-1961).

Governments, international organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are invited to organize activities on the day to raise public awareness of the problem.

16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women also launches the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence. 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence symbolically runs from November25th, the International Day Against Violence Against Women, December 10th, International Human Rights Day, in order to underline that violence against women is a violation of human rights.