Join the Movement: #Every1KnowsSome1, National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

(Hays, KS) –Every year in October, Jana’s Campaign joins with allies and supporters across the country to recognize and educate others about Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM).
DVAM evolved from the “Day of Unity” in October 1981 observed by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The intent was to connect advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children. Now in its 42nd year, individuals and communities across our nation join together to raise awareness of domestic violence, take action to advocate for change, intervene to stop acts of domestic violence, and support those
who are impacted.

The theme for DVAM this year, #Every1KnowsSome1, was developed collaboratively by the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) and the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV). Its aim is to emphasize the widespread nature of domestic violence, and its effects on many individuals. Nationally, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men, have experienced domestic violence by an intimate partner or ex-intimate partner (CDC, 2020). From reports
submitted to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), 35 lives were lost due to domestic violence in 2022.

Domestic violence occurs in many forms- verbal, emotional, psychological, digital, sexual, and/or physical abuse. It can be extreme jealousy, possessiveness, unwanted touching, coercion, and excessive arguments. It is about power and control. Domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless of age, race or ethnicity, religion, employment or educational level, marital status, physical ability, sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

To prevent domestic violence, it's essential that each of us plays a role. An initial step that #Every1 can engage in is educating themselves and spreading awareness. This can involve organizing awareness events featuring purple ribbons and Silent Witness displays, as well as participating in nationally scheduled events.
​

We invite you to take note of two important dates: October 2nd, recognized as Day of Unity,
and October 19th, designated as Purple Thursday, and actively participate in discussions and activities related to these events, whether online or in person.

​To do our part, Jana’s Campaign will post facts and statistics about domestic violence on our social media platforms throughout October. On Monday, October 16th, we will host a Facebook Live covering the topic, its impacts, and share resources. Additionally, Jana’s Campaign will host our annual fundraising event, Empty Place at the Table, on October 7th, in Hays, KS. This event serves as a tribute to individuals who tragically lost their lives to domestic violence, including
Jana Mackey, whose life-and-death inspired the establishment of Jana's Campaign. At the event, a symbolic table is set, featuring an empty seat and dinner setting. This poignant arrangement symbolizes the void left by Jana's death and the many other deaths caused by domestic violence, a void that resonates at tables worldwide.

Join us in spreading the word that 1 isn’t just a number, it’s #Some1 - a family member, a neighbor, a coworker, a friend. Domestic violence affects all of us, and we all must be a part of the solution.