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​Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the first Day of Unity observed in October, 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The intent was to connect battered women’s advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children. The Day of Unity soon became a special week when a range of activities were arranged at the local, state, and national levels.



​​The Violence Against Women Act
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was the first major law to help government agencies and victim advocates work together to fight domestic violence, sexual assault, and other types of violence against women. It created new punishments for certain crimes and started programs to prevent violence and help victims. The law has been expanded and now provides more services and programs such as violence prevention programs in communities, protections for victims who are evicted from their homes because of events related to domestic violence or stalking, funding for victim assistance services like rape crisis centers and hotlines.



The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act

The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) provides the main federal 

funding to help victims of domestic violence and their dependents. Programs funded through FVPSA provide shelter and related help. They also offer violence prevention activities and try to improve how service agencies work together in communities.