Each October, communities across the country recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) to shine a light on a pervasive issue that often thrives in silence and shame. At The Second Step, this recognition is deeply personal. It’s a time to honor the strength of survivors and recommit to the work of building safe and supportive communities throughout Massachusetts.
Founded in 1992, The Second Step stands alongside survivors of domestic violence, providing support, advocacy, healing, and hope. Our work extends beyond crisis intervention. It’s about rebuilding lives, restoring autonomy, and disrupting the cycles of abuse that too often span generations.
Why Domestic Violence Awareness Month Matters
Domestic violence is far more common than many people realize. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men will experience severe intimate partner violence in their lifetimes. And these numbers are just the beginning. They don’t capture the emotional scars, the financial toll, or the impact on children and communities.
Awareness matters because domestic violence thrives in secrecy. It hides behind closed doors, in polite conversations, and in systems that fail to protect. When we speak openly about abuse – when we name it, challenge it, and support those affected by it – we begin to shift the culture of silence that allows it to persist.
Survivors Are at the Center of Everything We Do
At The Second Step, survivors are not statistics. They are leaders, parents, employees, students, and others with whom we interact during any given day. They are rebuilding their lives with courage and determination. Every day, we witness their resilience.
Our wraparound programs reflect the complexity of the survivor’s journey. We provide legal services, safety planning, trauma-informed counseling, and housing stability. We walk with survivors every step of the way, from crisis to long-term stability.
And we know healing isn’t linear. That’s why our support is flexible, survivor-driven, and grounded in dignity and respect.
Building Community, Creating Change
Domestic violence is not a private issue. It’s a public one. And it requires a community-wide response. This October, we invite you to be part of that response.
Whether you’re a survivor, a friend, a neighbor, or an ally, you have a role to play. Here’s how you can take action:
- Educate yourself: Learn the signs of abuse. Understand the barriers survivors face. Follow organizations like The Second Step to stay informed and inspired.
- Speak out: Break the silence. Share stories, resources, and messages of hope. Use your voice to challenge harmful stereotypes and advocate for survivors.
- Support our work: Your donations make our programs possible. Your time as a volunteer strengthens our reach. Your partnership helps us build a safer future.
- Raise Awareness: On Wear Purple Day (Thursday, October 23, 2025), wear purple to raise awareness and show solidarity with survivors.
Hope Lives Here
At The Second Step, we believe in the power of creating safe spaces and building strong communities. We believe that every survivor deserves to be heard, believed, and supported. And we believe that together, we can create a world where domestic violence is not only inevitable, but it is unthinkable.
We invite you to join us in recognizing and honoring survivors, raising awareness, building a future where every intimate partner relationship is safe and healthy.
Because every step forward matters. And no one should have to take that second step alone.