To many Americans October means the beginning of fall with all the beautiful, bright colors of the turning leaves. Countless others view the month as the end of a carefree summer and the beginning of harvest time. Some see it as a heralding of the coming holiday season. But those involved in the domestic violence movement acknowledge October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM).

All over the country, indeed in many nations, activities are planned to help bring awareness to the problem of domestic violence. DVAM has several purposes: raise awareness, unite those working to end domestic violence, remember those lost to this terrible crime, and celebrate the spirit of violence free families.

The Family Violence Prevention Fund reports that around the world, at least one in every three women has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused during her lifetime, and 30% of Americans say they know a woman who has been physically abused by her husband or boyfriend in the past year.

A Health Department report released in September revealed that almost half (an astounding 44%) of all women murdered in New York City between 2003 and 2005, died at the hands of their partners. And, almost half were victims of prior domestic violence. Despite a domestic violence history that led to a police response, just 15% had active orders of protection when they were killed.

You can help stop the violence. Visit our Violence against Women to find out how.