Escape
By Breckan Erdman Winters, NRCDV Program Specialist
“This moment in time is a call for transformation – a critical opportunity to revisit the roots of our movement to end gender-based violence in ways that can purposefully restore humanity for all.” – Meeting this Moment: Meaningful Engagement for Social Change during Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Beyond
Between the pandemic of racial injustice and anti-Blackness, COVID-19 and the longstanding disparities it has highlighted, and the increased visibility of domestic violence and isolation of survivors due to physical distancing measures, it is difficult not to feel overwhelmed by the widespread injustice that we are experiencing in the world right now. However, this moment is also one of great possibility. Now is the time to boldly pivot our work to dismantle white supremacy, to center the needs and experiences of Black survivors, and as Laura Chow Reeve writes, to engage in “conversations around what actually keeps us safe, what actually allows survivors and communities to heal and thrive, and what will actually end violence.” What do Black survivors of domestic violence need for emotional and physical safety and well-being?
As we approach Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2020, the Domestic Violence Awareness Project invites you to commit to doing #1Thing to help create safe and thriving communities for all. Here are some ways you can take action:
- Join us as we come together for the National Call for Unity to kick off #DVAM2020 on Thursday, October 1st at 3pm EST.
- Check out the Domestic Violence Awareness Project’s #1Thing Action Guide and new supplemental guidance on planning virtual awareness events to find ideas for engaging your community around DVAM.
- Attend NRCDV’s upcoming webinar, Re-Centering: Indiana’s Movement to Ground Domestic Violence Programs in Survivor-Defined Success on Thursday, October 8th at 3pm EST as we explore ways to truly ground our work in the needs and experiences of survivors.
- There are many opportunities for nonprofits to legally engage in elections activities – DVAM is the perfect time to take action to ensure that survivors’ voices are heard this election season.
- There is no survivor justice without racial justice. This DVAM, follow and donate to Black trans-led organizations.
- Check out national awareness campaigns from some of our partners! Be sure to participate in the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center’s 2020 #NativeDVAM campaign and NNEDV’s Week of Action October 18-24th.
- Snap a selfie while wearing purple in honor of Purple Thursday on October 22nd and share it on social media along with your #1Thing.
- Access online prevention education and activism resources from the PreventIPV Tools Inventory.
- Take care of yourself. Check out #Care4Advocates and our Self-Care & Healing During COVID-19 webinar series for strategies to sustain advocates as they work toward social transformation.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
This moment is a critical opportunity for us to work together to build beloved communities. How will you take action for #DVAM2020?
