In October, We Wear Purple: Fast Facts, Stats, and How to Help Survivors of Domestic ViolenceInbox
- Hannah Beenken
- Oct 27
- 3 min read
Understanding Domestic Violence
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This initiative is dedicated to increasing understanding, promoting prevention, and supporting survivors of intimate partner violence. Domestic violence can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, age, race, or background, and it extends far beyond physical harm. It often includes emotional, sexual, psychological, and financial abuse aimed at controlling or isolating another person.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), 3 in 10 women (29%) and 1 in 10 men (10%) in the US have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by a partner. These numbers reflect real people - coworkers, neighbors, family, and friends - who may be suffering quietly behind closed doors.
Breaking the Silence
Domestic violence thrives in silence. Awareness Month challenges that silence by encouraging honest conversations about warning signs and the resources available to those in need.
Common warning signs can include:
Extreme jealousy or possessiveness
Isolation from family, friends, or finances
Frequent “accidents” or unexplained injuries
Verbal insults, humiliation, or threats
Fear or anxiety around a partner
By learning to recognize these behaviors, communities can intervene earlier and offer meaningful support. Speaking up can save lives.
Men Experience Domestic Violence, Too
While the majority of reported domestic violence cases involve women, men also experience abuse - often with far less acknowledgment or support. Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that roughly 1 in 9 men have endured severe physical violence, sexual violence, or stalking by an intimate partner.
Abuse toward men can include physical assault, emotional manipulation, financial control, and psychological intimidation. Yet many male survivors face unique barriers when seeking help.
Barriers to Reporting and Support
Social stigma: Societal messages about masculinity discourage many men from admitting fear or vulnerability.
Limited resources: Shelters and services are often designed primarily for women, leaving few options for men.
Disbelief or minimization: Some survivors are dismissed or told to “fight back” instead of being offered help.
Isolation: Many male survivors fear judgment, ridicule, or a lack of empathy if they come forward.
No one, regardless of gender, should feel unsafe in their own home or relationship. Male survivors deserve the same compassion, validation, and access to safety as anyone else.
For support, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE / thehotline.org) or visit 1in6.org for male-specific resources.
How You Can Help
Educate Yourself and Others: Learn the warning signs and statistics and apply them to your everyday interactions. Do your best to share resources within your community (big or small).
Listen Without Judgment: If someone opens up, believe them. Support them without criticism or blame.
Volunteer or Donate: Local shelters and advocacy organizations rely on community generosity to serve survivors. Donating your time, money, or items to local shelters makes a huge difference.
Promote Awareness: Wear purple, share hotline information, and use your voice to bring awareness and support survivors.
VOTE: Elected officials and others in positions of power are responsible for funding initiatives that support survivors and their families. Voting for those who will protect these resources is vital to the well-being of those impacted by domestic violence.
A Call to Compassion
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is not just about statistics; it’s about empathy. It’s about realizing that every survivor’s story matters and that healing begins with understanding. Awareness leads to prevention, and prevention begins with belief, education, and compassion.
Whether you’re checking in on a friend, advocating for better resources, or simply familiarizing yourself with the pervasiveness of this issue, your actions make a difference. Silence protects the abuser; compassion protects the survivor.
Resources
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Text: “START” to 88788
Visit the website for more information and ways to support: thehotline.org
For male survivors:
Men’s Resource Center for Change: mrcforchange.org
Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence
IOWA HELPLINE: 1-800-770-1650
text ‘IOWAHELP’ to 20121
Sources:
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