Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2023

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), an important observance designed to raise awareness about domestic/gender-based violence and to show support for survivors.

As part of this monthly commemoration, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) encourages all members of our community to participate in the DVAM 2023 campaign organized by the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV).

Below are a few highlights of the OPDV’s campaign this October:

• Domestic Violence 101 Webinar Series

Throughout October, OPDV will be hosting a weekly 1-hour free webinar on domestic violence which is open to all. These webinars will cover definitions, power and control tactics, staying versus leaving and survivor-centered responses.

• Lunch & Learn: Webinar Series- Increasing Safety for State Employees: NYS GBV Workplace Policy

**Webinar for all state employees

Throughout October, OPDV’s GBV & the Workplace program will be hosting weekly lunch and learns for ALL state employees. These Lunch & Learns will be 20-minute presentations focusing on the basics of Gender-Based Violence and the Workplace policies and how survivors can contact their DVAL to discuss workplace safety planning, workplace accommodations, etc. Visit here to register and for more information.

• Purple Thursday

Thursday, October 19, 2023 is ‘Purple Thursday’, a day in which the community wears purple to raise awareness for domestic violence. Participants are encouraged to tag OPDV on social media for any photos they take and post for Purple Thursday.

• The New York State Clothesline Project

October 17 through 19 in the Empire State Plaza Concourse

In partnership with the Office of General Services (OGS), OPDV will be sponsoring The New York State Clothesline Project. The exhibit will be a visual display of statistics that usually go ignored. It will feature a display of t-shirts decorated by survivors with words and artwork, hanging from clotheslines, with informational posters between them explaining the history and importance of the Clothesline Project. The exhibit will serve as an education tool on the prevalence of domestic violence for the public and as a healing tool for survivors. All are invited to attend the exhibit and visit the informational table, where staff members may answer any questions that visitors might have. These staff members are trained in victim services and can speak with any visitors who may disclose abuse or have any questions.

For more events and resources, please visit the OPDV Domestic Violence Awareness Month website.

If you are a survivor of domestic /gender-based violence and are looking for information, resources, or help, please visit the OPDV website or contact their advocates by phone (800-942-6906) or text (844-997-2121).