October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), recognized and observed across Minnesota and the nation each year. DVAM is a crucial time when communities come together to address and combat the pervasive issue of domestic violence.

Throughout the month, individuals, organizations, and advocates will unite to raise awareness about the realities and impacts of domestic violence, as well as to promote education, prevention, social change, and support for survivors.

Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects millions of people worldwide. It can take many forms, including physical, emotional, psychological, or sexual abuse. In the last year, Someplace Safe provided services and support to nearly 3,000 survivors across the region, including crisis intervention, assistance with protection orders, emergency resources (safe housing, transportation, meals), safety planning and other support to survivors of domestic violence and other crimes. Your continued support of Someplace Safe programming helps provide these options and more to countless individuals in our communities.

We invite you to follow Someplace Safe on social media for information on upcoming events throughout October. The annual Day of Purple, observed this year on October 17, 2024, offers an opportunity to show support for victims and survivors by wearing the color purple on this day. Businesses, organizations, schools, clubs, and individuals are invited to participate on October 17th and encouraged to post participation photos for #dayofpurple on social media.

Free Day of Purple posters and stickers may be requested by contacting your local Someplace Safe office or by emailing newsletter@someplacesafe.info.

For more resources and information, as well as a listing of upcoming events hosted by Someplace Safe, including the $31 for 31 Campaign supporting local survivors, visit www.someplacesafe.info. Someplace Safe services are crucial for local victims, survivors, and families. If you or someone you know is in need of support or assistance, contact Someplace Safe at 800-974-3359.

Someplace Safe is a nonprofit agency offering a myriad of services to victims and survivors of crime, families, and communities in a nine-county region in West Central Minnesota. Nearly 4,000 unduplicated local victims of crime are provided services each year through eleven Advocacy Offices, five Parenting Time Centers, and three Thrift Stores located in Big Stone, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse, Wadena, and Wilkin Counties. Someplace Safe works to assist victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and exploitation, sex and labor trafficking, and other crimes (including: stalking, elder abuse, identity theft, robbery, theft, etc.), as they navigate the social, emotional, and economic impacts faced as victims on the path to becoming survivors. Visit www.someplacesafe.info for more information.