Each October, we at the Vashti Center for Children and Families recognize both Domestic Violence Awareness Month and National Bullying Prevention Month. Together, these observances highlight our mission to protect vulnerable youth, support survivors, and build a safer, more compassionate Southwest Georgia for every family.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month: “With Survivors, Always”
Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is a nationwide initiative dedicated to bringing communities together to raise awareness, honor survivors, and advocate for an end to domestic abuse. The national movement began in 1987, with Congress officially designating October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1989. DVAM offers an essential opportunity for communities to understand the far-reaching impacts of domestic violence while standing united to ensure survivors know they do not have to navigate their journey alone.
Building upon the theme established in 2025, the official DVAM theme for 2026 is “With Survivors, Always.” This year’s focus pushes us to move beyond basic awareness and step directly into action. Today, as families face increasing challenges—including minimized reports of violence and growing obstacles to finding safety—survivors and their children need active, tangible support. Now more than ever, we must show up as allies and advocate for lasting change.
How You Can Show Support:
Wear Purple on Purple Thursday (October 15, 2026): Wearing purple on Thursday, October 15th unites advocates, communities, and survivors into a single voice—symbolizing peace, courage, survival, and an unwavering commitment to ending domestic violence.
National Bullying Prevention Month: Promoting Kindness, Acceptance, and Inclusion
October also marks National Bullying Prevention Month, a nationwide initiative aimed at preventing childhood bullying and promoting environments built on kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. Founded in October 2006 by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center, the initiative originally began as a seven-day event known as National Bullying Prevention and Awareness Week. Due to growing participation and community impact, PACER expanded the initiative in 2010 into a full, month-long observance throughout October.
The need for active prevention in our schools and online communities is critical:
- 1 in 5 students (ages 12 to 18) reports being bullied, according to data from the National Bullying Prevention Center. Bullying may be happening right now to a child, classmate, or friend you care about—making it vital to take a stand, show empathy, and commit to creating safe environments for youth.
- 13% of high school students missed school because they felt unsafe, according to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- 77% of high school students report frequent daily social media use (CDC). Studies show that frequent social media use correlates with increased rates of bullying, feelings of sadness, and higher suicide risk among youth.
How You Can Show Support:
Wear Orange on Unity Day (Wednesday, October 21, 2026): Stand together with students, schools, and communities across the nation by wearing orange on Wednesday, October 21st. Unity Day sends a visible, powerful message for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion, demonstrating that no child should ever have to experience bullying.
At the Vashti Center, we remain dedicated to standing alongside our children, youth, and families as they heal, build resilience, and thrive. Together, we can create a safer, kinder, and more supportive community for everyone.