National Domestic Violence Awareness Month: How to Help Yourself or Someone You Love 

Every October, we recognize National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM)—a time to honor survivors, raise awareness, and stand in solidarity with those affected by abuse. 

At eMOTION, we believe that everyone deserves to feel safe, supported, and heard. Whether you’re healing from trauma yourself or concerned about someone you care about, this month is a powerful reminder: you are not alone, and help is available. 

Domestic violence—also known as intimate partner violence (IPV)—is not just physical harm. It includes a pattern of behaviors used to gain power and control over another person in a relationship. Abuse can take many forms: 

• Emotional: constant criticism, insults, name-calling, threats to self or others, humiliation, damaging your self-worth 

• Psychological: intimidation, manipulation, gaslighting / “mind games”/ making you feel crazy 

• Physical: hitting, shoving, restraining, smashing or breaking, throwing 

• Sexual: coercion, unwanted sexual activity, accusation of cheating 

• Social: isolation from others, jealousy, limitations to media use 

• Children: damaging your relationship with children, threatening to take children away, making you feel guilty about parenting 

• Financial: controlling money, limiting access to work or education, making you financially dependent 

• Digital/Technological: stalking, controlling social media or phone usage 

Abuse does not discriminate. It affects people of all genders, backgrounds, income levels, and relationship types. 

First and foremost: it’s not your fault. 

Abuse thrives in silence and isolation, which is why speaking up and reaching out—if and when you’re ready—can be such a powerful act of reclaiming control. 

Even if you’re not ready to leave, having a plan can help keep you safer. This might include: 

• Packing essentials (documents, medications, money) 

• Identifying safe places to go 

• Memorizing important phone numbers 

Confide in someone you trust—whether it’s a friend, family member, or therapist. You deserve a support system. 

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788 

• Available 24/7 with confidential support and resources. 

Therapy can help you rebuild your sense of self, process trauma, and make empowered choices about your future. 

It can be heartbreaking to watch someone you care about struggle in silence. You may feel helpless—but your support can truly make a difference. 

• Listen without judgment. Avoid pushing them to act before they’re ready. 

• Believe them. Survivors often fear they won’t be taken seriously. 

• Offer specific help. For example: “Would you like me to find a hotline with you?” or “Do you want me to keep a copy of your documents?” 

• Stay connected. Isolation increases vulnerability. Your continued presence can be a lifeline. 

If you are a survivor, please know: you are not defined by what happened to you. You deserve healing, peace, and fulfilling relationships. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or well along the path, therapy can be a safe space to reclaim your voice, strength, and identity. 

At eMOTION, we provide trauma-informed, compassionate therapy for survivors of domestic violence and those navigating emotionally abusive relationships. We offer: 

• Individual therapy for healing and self-empowerment 

• Safety planning to increase safety in and outside of the relationship 

• Resources and referrals to community partners 

• A judgment-free environment where your story matters 

No matter your situation, help is within reach. You are not broken. You are not overreacting. And you do not have to go through this alone. 

This National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, let’s work together to break the silence, support survivors, and promote safe, healthy relationships for everyone. 

You are worthy of love that does not hurt. 

Written by:  Samantha Haesemeyer, PsyD, MEd

#DomesticViolenceAwarenessMonth  #YouAreNotAlone  #SupportSurvivors  #BreakTheSilence  #EndTheCycle  #EmpowermentThroughHealing  #LoveShouldntHurt