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As Thought Leaders it is our responsibility to turn ideas into reality. Together we can raise awareness surrounding Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this October.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month 

Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) evolved from the "Day of Unity" held in October 1981 and conceived 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.

Domestic violence thrives when we are silent; but if we take a stand and work together, we can end domestic violence.
Domestic Violence Awareness Shabbat - Parshat Lech Lecha

Jewish Family Service of Seattle organized a Domestic Violence Awareness Shabbat on October 24th. Project DVORA asked the community's rabbinic leadership to help raise domestic violence awareness from the pulpit. They requested that Rabbis begin their sermon on Shabbat by standing before the unknown faces of victims and survivors of domestic violence in our community. JFS Seattle shared talking points with Rabbis and this flyer, as well as this poster, with the public. 
100 Mensches 

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit kicked off the 100 Mensches Initiative. On October 13th, 30 men gathered to discuss how they can help make a difference.  JFS president Don Rochlen, vice president Mark Jacobs and CEO Perry Ohren hosted the event and the group learned about the dynamics of domestic violence, that it exists in the Jewish community and what JFS is doing about it, including how JFS's Legal Referral Service, worked to help those in abusive relationships. The group shared ideas and will continue to meet to figure out how to grow the number of men, raise awareness and support to help end domestic violence.
"Domestic Violence: Where It Starts & Where It Can End: An intimate evening with Tanya Brown, sister of Nicole Brown Simpson"
 
Jewish Federation & Family Services of Orange County, knows the importance of talking about difficult topics. For Domestic Violence Awareness Month, they presented an important and critically-needed event to educate the community and offer resources to victims of domestic violence. "Domestic Violence: Where It Starts & Where It Can End: An intimate evening with Tanya Brown, sister of Nicole Brown Simpson" was an evening dedicated to sharing knowledge with the community about domestic violence and to breaking the silence about the issue. The evening began with a resource fair featuring programs that provide services in Orange County, including many that specialize in treating domestic violence survivors. Dr. Lauren Gavshon, Interim President and CEO of JFFS, opened the speaking portion of the night with local statistics on domestic violence that highlighted the vital importance of holding the event. Read more here.  
 Check out AJFCA's Domestic Violence Professionals Facebook page to see what member agencies are doing to raise awareness surrounding Domestic Violence among their staff and with in their communities.