5 Things to Know About Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Most commonly known for the celebration of Halloween, the and , October is also home to a few lesser-known awareness initiatives, such as and Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

So, in respect to all of the causes of this breezy, fall month, we enlighten our readers with five facts they may not have known about Domestic Vioence Awareness Month. The following information comes from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Verizon Wireless...

1. The Genesis - "Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the first Day of Unity observed in October, 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence," the NCADV's website printed. "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 conducted at the local, state, and national levels."

2. Further Developments - "In October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed," said the NCADV. "That same year the first national toll-free hotline was begun. In 1989 the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month Commemorative Legislation was passed by the U.S. Congress. Such legislation has passed every year since with NCADV providing key leadership in this effort."

3. In the '90s... - "In October 1994 NCADV, in conjunction with Ms. Magazine, created the 'Remember My Name' project, a national registry to increase public awareness of domestic violence deaths," the NCADV stated. "Since then, NCADV has been collecting information on women who have been killed by an intimate partner and produces a poster each October for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, listing the names of those documented in that year."

4. How we can help locally - "One of the easiest ways for readers to support the cause is to donate no-longer-used devices to Verizon Wireless’ HopeLine program," said Rebecca Porterfield on behalf of Verizon Wireless. "HopeLine recycles used cell phones, batteries and accessories and uses the proceeds to donate phones, airtime and funding to domestic violence agencies. Since its inception in 2001, more than 8 million phones have been donated and more than 10 million dollars have been generated for domestic violence agencies nationwide."

5. Furthermore... - "Residents can simply drop off no-longer-used devices at your local \, located at 1836 E Ridge Pike in Royersford, or download the prepaid shipping label and just drop it in the mail," Porterfield said. "Additional details on Verizon Wireless’ HopeLine program can be found here. Please just let us know if you have any questions, and thanks for sharing how readers can help support domestic violence awareness efforts in our communities!"