October was first recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness month back in 1989 as a means to shed light on a pervasive social issue. (Recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2024) For Social Workers working in the DV field, October is full of events from training, special presentations, sign wavings and resource fairs. All in hopes of increasing awareness and education on the impacts of Domestic Violence on families and communities. In 2023 Hawaii participated in the 18th annual DV Counts and it was recorded that in one day 581 victims of Domestic Violence were served. (National Network to End Domestic Violence, 2024) In 2024 Hawaii county recorded 2 gun related deaths as a result of domestic violence. While these numbers and stats are horrifying, it’s important to remember that we must not ignore the topic, but face Domestic Violence head on and work together as a community to end it.
So, What Is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence does not discriminate. It knows no race, gender, creed, religion, age, financial status, or sexual orientation. While domestic violence is universally condemned, it is universally practiced and has devastating consequences to all involved and surrounding peoples. Domestic violence is defined as violence committed by someone in the person’s domestic circle. This could be a partner, spouse, sibling, child or parent, however for the context of this blog, we will be focusing on Intimate Partner Violence. IPV and domestic violence are often used interchangeably and refer to violence between 2 parties that at one point were romantically involved. Domestic violence includes, but is not limited to, physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and financial abuse. (Kunasagran, et al., 2024)
“Why don’t they just leave?”
Literally, this is quite possibly the million dollar question, but also extremely unhelpful and not Trauma Informed. Domestic Violence is complicated, it involves feelings, people, survival, love and shame. What can you do when someone discloses they are experiencing Domestic Violence? 3 words, listen, believe, empathize. Most survivors have been isolated and conditioned to remain silent, it’s important to encourage and empower them to use their voice. You can also create a safety plan with them by asking them questions about how they can keep themselves and their family safe. Encourage them to look into resources in your community that can assist them in an emergency should they need it. Most importantly, believe them! Understand that for most survivors, it’s painful to admit the person they love the most in the world is abusing and hurting them. When you believe survivors, it’s the beginning of their healing journey.
Events throughout the Month of October 2024
Domestic Violence, Exploitation, & the MMNHWGM Movement- Webinar on October 15th at 10:30
Puna Sign Waving- In front of Keaau High School 4:30-5:30p
36th Annual Domestic Violence Vigil and Peace Walk- October 25th from 4:00p-6:00 (Hilo County Building)
“Walk a Mile” in her shoes YWCA Fundraiser event- October 26th from 7:30a-10:00a
UH Hilo Domestic Violence Awareness Month resource Fair- October 30th 10:30a-1:30p
References
Recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month. (2024, October 2). Horizon Health Services. Retrieved October 11, 2024, from https://horizon-health.org/recognizing-domestic-violence-awareness-month/
National Network to End Domestic Violence. (2024). 18th Annual Domestic Violence Counts Report.Washington, DC.
Kunasagran, P. D., Mokti, K., Ibrahim, M. Y., Rahim, S. S., Robinson, F., Muyou, A. J., . . . Nachia, B. A. (2024). The Global Landscape of Domestic Violence against Women during the CORVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Review. Korean Journal if Family Medicine, 3-11.