Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Ways to Get Involved This October
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), a time to raise awareness, support survivors, honor those we have lost, and come together as a community to prevent domestic and sexual violence. This October, organizations and community partners across Ottawa and Allegan Counties are coming together with opportunities to learn, wear purple, support local organizations, recognize community champions, and take action. We’ll continue adding events and opportunities throughout the month, so check back for updates!
ALL MONTH LONG:
Purchase a Resilience DVAM T-Shirt! Want to show your support all month long? Pick up a Resilience Domestic Violence Awareness Month T-shirt and help spread awareness wherever you go. Shop the Resilience merchandise store:
https://www.bonfire.com/store/resilience-merchandise/
Make a donation in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month: provide support for survivors in our community through a financial contribution that brings safety, healing and hope. Click here to donate!
ACCCDV Merchandise Fundraiser: This October, the Allegan County Coordinating Council Against Domestic Violence (ACCCDV) is raising awareness about the connections between animal abuse and domestic violence. As part of these efforts, ACCCDV has created merchandise to help raise funds for Sylvia’s Place and Resilience, two domestic violence agencies serving Allegan County.
The following locations will be selling merchandise as a DVAM fundraiser: Town and Country Veterinary Hospital, Allegan Veterinary Clinic, Dorr Veterinary Clinic, Hamilton Veterinary Clinic, Mac’s Landing Veterinary Clinic, and Allegan Animal Clinic.
JOIN US FOR THE FOLLOWING DVAM EVENTS:
September 29 – Sextortion: Protecting Youth in a Digital World
Ottawa County Family Justice Center, 12240 Fillmore St., West Olive, MI 49460, 10:00–11:30 AM
Sextortion is a growing threat to young people in our increasingly digital world. This informative training explores the issue and provides practical tools for prevention, response, and victim support. Participants will leave with practical information and educational resources to help protect and support students, families, and communities. Learn more and register: www.ResilienceMI.org/training
October 1- ACCCDV Local Wear Purple Day
Wear purple to show your support for survivors, raise awareness about domestic violence, and help start conversations about how our community can work together to prevent violence. Consider taking a photo and sharing it on social media to help spread awareness throughout our community.
October 1 – When Animal Abuse Links to Family Violence
Allegan Courthouse Jury Assembly Room or via Zoom, 12:00–1:30 PM, Free to attend
Animal abuse and domestic violence can be connected in ways that are important for community professionals—and animal lovers—to understand. This training is open to social workers, advocates, child protection staff, law enforcement, veterinary staff, and members of the general public who love animals.
October 14 – Together We Can Appreciation Awards Breakfast
The Trestle Stop, 3366 M-40, Hamilton, MI 49419, 8:00–10:30 AM, $35 per person
Our communities are stronger because of the people who show up, speak up, and work every day to create safer communities. The 2026 Together We Can Appreciation Awards will honor community champions throughout Ottawa and Allegan Counties for their outstanding service and dedication to eliminating domestic and sexual violence. This year’s honorees include local law enforcement, agency professionals, and business and community champions. The breakfast is hosted by Violence Prevention Alliance (VPA) and Allegan County Coordinating Council Against Domestic Violence (ACCCDV).
Register at: https://resiliencemi.org/togetherwecan
October 15 – National Wear Purple Day
Put on your favorite purple shirt, accessories, or outfit and help raise awareness about domestic violence. Wearing purple is a simple way to show survivors that their community supports them and to encourage conversations about domestic violence and prevention. Take a photo, share it, and encourage your friends, family, coworkers, and community to join you!
October 15 – Donuts & The Law: Family Law Basics
Resilience, 411 Butternut Drive, Holland, MI 49424, 9:30–11:00 AM, Free admission
Presented by Legal Aid of Western Michigan, this free training is designed for community nonprofits and social service partners who support low-income neighbors and survivors of domestic violence in West Michigan. Participants will learn about the basics of family law in a training designed to help community professionals better understand and support the people they serve. And yes, donuts will be provided!
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/family-law-basics-holland-tickets-1998558974693?aff=oddtdtcreator
October 15 – Understanding Domestic Violence: A Lakeshore Community Training
Central Park Place, 421 Columbus Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417, 6:00–7:00 PM, Free admission
What does domestic violence really look like? How can we recognize the signs? What can we do when someone we know may be experiencing abuse? Join us for an educational community training that will explore power and control dynamics, signs of domestic violence, the impact, and ways to help. This training is hosted by Resilience: Advocates for Ending Violence, the City of Grand Haven Human Relations Commission, and Violence Prevention Alliance.
Register here: https://bit.ly/4ds6nYl
October 22 – Clovier Giveback Day
Clovier, 8 W. 8th St., Holland, MI 49423
Looking for a way to support Resilience while shopping local? On October 22, Clovier in Downtown Holland will donate 10% of the day’s proceeds to Resilience in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Stop by, shop local, and help support services for survivors in our community!
Keep checking back throughout October as we add more opportunities to learn, connect, support survivors, and take action!
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Contact our 24/7 Help Line at 1-800-848-5991 to talk to an advocate about resources and options.
