*Original publication date: October 14, 2025*

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) began in 1987, and in 1989 Congress officially designated October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Each October, communities across the nation unite to raise awareness about the prevalence and impact of domestic violence—and to remind survivors that they are not alone.

At the YWCA, our Aid to Victims of Violence (AVV) provides compassionate, comprehensive services to survivors of domestic violence—walking beside them through their darkest moments and empowering them to live lives free from abuse and oppression.

AVV services include: accompaniment, advocacy, crisis intervention, legal referrals, phone and support counseling, support groups, safe dwelling options, Crime Victims Compensation assistance, and prevention education.

While the AVV program is supported through grant funding, many essential, everyday needs fall outside of what grants cover. That’s where our community comes in. Your support ensures we can continue providing safety, stability, and hope to survivors who need it most.

6 Ways You Can Support Survivors in October

1. Purchase Raffle Basket Tickets | October 1 – November 3

Stop by the YWCA through the end of October to check out the 21 incredible raffle baskets on display and purchase your tickets! Themed baskets include Wine & Whimsy, Local Sugar Overload, Deck the Fall, Women’s Work, Bloom & Barrel, Unstressed, and more. 

Click here to see all of the baskets and their contents!

Tickets are 2 for $5, 5 for $10 and will be on sale until 11/3 at 10am.

Winning tickets will be drawn on Monday, November 3rd. You need not be present to win.

2. Wear Purple | October 16

Show solidarity with DV survivors, wear purple on October 16 for Go Purple Day!

3. Eat at Doug’s Fish Fry Cortland | October 16, 3-8 pm

Mention you’re there to support YWCA Cortland and Doug’s will donate 20% of your meal’s proceeds to support our Aid to Victims of Violence program.

4. Shop Pampered Chef Fundraiser | Order by October 20 11:59 pm.

YWCA Cortland AVV Director, Jessica Smith, is hosting a virtual Pampered Chef party to raise funds for the program! 

Shop Pampered Chef goodies now until midnight on October 20th.

5. Volunteer Your Time

AVV is looking for volunteers to assist with community outreach, the hotline, and more.

If you’re interested, please email our AVV Community Coordinator Stefania Buta at sbuta@cortlandywca.org to learn more!

6. Make a donation

Every contribution helps empower survivors to rebuild their lives. Give today!

Together, we can keep the conversation going beyond October and continue to build a community where everyone feels safe, supported, and free from violence.

*Content included in this post was accurate on the date it was published. All information and pricing are subject to change without notice.*