Domestic Violence is a Serious Community Issue

October marks the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This year, the issue hits home for those of us in the NAM service area : Sheriff Gonzales recently stated that 35% of homicides in the Harris County are domestic violence related.  In the past year, several tragic killings have occured in the neighborhoods of the NAM community, some within a few miles of NAM. 

Our Family Violence Center continues to be here to support those fleeing situations of domestic violence. Here are the following events that will take place during the month of October: 

October 3rd: Wreath Dedication Ceremony

Starting at 10 a.m. in the NAM Main Lobby

The DVAM wreath, created by NAM staff Patty Camacho, will be unveiled. The names of Houston area residents who lost their lives to domestic violence in the past year will be read to those attending the ceremony.  

“The wreath will stand as a reminder to all who are passing through NAM of the importance of not only remembering people, but of looking out for those around you,” she Sheryl Johnson at the 2021 Wreath Dedication. “Take a moment to think about the people you know. It is possible that you are suspicious of a neighbor or a relative’s behavior, or you know someone who was killed by a partner. Chances are, we all know at least one or two stories.

October 3rd - October 28th: DVAM Art Exhibit at Willowbrook Mall, during mall open hours

Exact location at Willowbrook Mall TBA. 

 October 15th: DVAM Art Exhibit Pop-Up at the Pearl Fincher Art Museum, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

View submitted artworks from local artists. The art was created to raise awareness of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 

All artwork will be available for purchase, with 100% of the proceeds going to support survivors at the NAM Family Violence Center. Instructions on how to purchase will be posted soon! 

 October 7th, October 14th, October 21st and October 28th: Ask Me Anything with FVC staff 

10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.,  Northwest Assistance Ministries, Second Floor, Conference Room A

Staff from the NAM Family Violence Center will be available every week of DVAM to help provide answers about domestic violence. The public is invited to come to NAM and ask any questions they have about the topic of domestic violence, with our staff providing answers. Here are some common questions: 

Why do victims stay with abusers?

Are men victims of domestic violence?

What can I do to help?

Source: nnedv.org

Join us in this safe space as we work to educate the public on the impact of domestic violence in our communities. 

October 20th: Go Purple Day

Participate from anywhere, all day!

Join us on this national day of supporting survivor by wear purple to raise awareness of domestic violence. Post the photos on social media, using the hashtags #dvam, #gopurpleday and #YouAreNotAloneDV