DV Awareness Month
Dear Editor: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and this year’s national theme is “Heal, Hold & Center.” Centering the voices and healing of survivors, while holding space for their stories is critical in breaking the stigma around domestic violence and advocating for both intervention and prevention strategies. But what does it mean to hold space for survivors in our community? And how can we, as community members, utilize community advocacy to shift the narrative surrounding domestic violence?
First, it is important to recognize that everyone has a responsibility–preventing domestic violence starts with each of us. DV is not an isolated issue between survivor and abuser, but rather a complex public health issue that involves the relationship between an individual, their relationships, and their community. Therefore, our whole community has a role to play in prevention. This starts with shifting the narrative around domestic violence from one of silence and isolation, to one of strength and solidarity.
Community advocacy plays a vital role in this change through increasing awareness about domestic violence, its signs, and its impacts. It works to create a network of solidarity that empowers and validates survivors, and reminds them that they are not alone.
There is no shame in being a survivor. This acknowledgement is essential for healing, as it uplifts survivor stories, reassuring the storyteller that their voice is both believed and valued. This is the essence of holding space, at the heart of community advocacy. Additional strategies to hold space for survivors include: listening without judgment, providing emotional support, respecting the survivor’s boundaries, maintaining confidentiality, empowering the survivor’s choices and respecting their autonomy, and connecting them to resources.
Shame, victim-blaming and fear of judgment often prevent survivors from seeking help. Holding space dismantles these barriers, reassuring survivors that they are prioritized, supported, and not at fault. No one deserves abuse, and love should not hurt. Acknowledging the issue is the first step in healing, and it is critical that we create a space in which survivors feel safe to do so.
Everyone has a story worth telling and worth being heard. Your story does not define you; rather it is a testament to resilience. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, know that there are resources available to support you and honor your story.
Sitkans Against Family Violence is a nonprofit organization that provides temporary shelter and empowerment-based safety and trauma-informed advocacy services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence of all genders. Visit our website at safv.org, call 907-747-3370, or text 907-623-7820. For SAFV’s crisis line, call 800-478-6511.
For more anonymous support, the National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 800-799-7233, or by texting “START” to 88788. For children impacted by domestic violence, call or text the Childhelp hotline at 800-422-4453. For teens, call 800-852-8336 or text “HOME” to 74174.
You are not alone. There is no shame in being a survivor.
Sitkans Against Family Violence
Board and staff
