October Insider – Domestic Violence Awareness & Prevention Month

As I walk through the Sheltering Wings dining room, I am often struck by how young many of our residential clients are. Of course, abuse can happen to anyone at any age. But, when I talk to some of our younger residents – like 21-year-old Haydan – they tell me they didn’t have an example of a healthy relationship growing up.

Haydan didn’t have support or a strong foundation that might have guided her away from an unhealthy path that led to abuse.

What if there had been an adult in her life to provide support?

That is exactly why Sheltering Wings’ Prevention Program is so important – all year long, but especially during October’s Domestic Violence Awareness & Prevention Month. We fully believe that we can prevent domestic violence from happening. There is a role that each of us can play in making safe, stable, and nurturing communities. You truly are key to helping build a strong foundation for the kids in your life – whether they are your own children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbors or friends.

Support doesn’t have to be overwhelming, right?

Our 2025 theme is “Strong Foundations – Stronger Futures.” We have some fun, family-friendly ways to start building a foundation of confidence, resiliency and boundaries for the young people in your life.

One way we can prevent abuse is to give kids the tools and resources they need to live and thrive in healthy relationships with their friends, family, community, and future romantic partners. The more they know about healthy relationships, the more likely they will be to identify harmful or risky behaviors if and when they are present in relationships.

DVAP Month is about both Prevention and Awareness. What does awareness look like?

We want everyone in our community to understand domestic violence and to realize that you are part of this mission to end abuse. Each one of you watching this is vital to making our community safe and preventing abuse.

When we talk about awareness, we want the WHY to be on the mind of those that join us in our mission. You are key to raising awareness with the people in your life: friends, family, colleagues, church members – and especially your kids. The first steps are easy and could look like:

• Sharing a social media post
• Engaging in an educational opportunity
• Volunteering or hosting a wish list drive
• Telling someone about Sheltering Wings

How can people get involved specifically in October during DVAP Month?

We have kits for churches, business, and public organizations to partner with us in the efforts to raise awareness. They are available on our website.
We have resources to help families engage with each other in fun and meaningful ways. Visit a Sheltering Wings booth to pick up our conversation cards and bookmark of “31 Days, 31 Ways to prevent domestic violence” family activities. Or get a copy on our website. We encourage you to find at least one way to grow awareness or prevent domestic abuse in your circle of influence. You truly are the key to helping prevent abuse for those you love.

This work cannot be limited to the month of October. But now is the time to start. We need all of you – families, churches, businesses, organizations – to build STRONG FOUNDATIONS that lead to STRONGER FUTURES.

With gratitude,

Cassie Mecklenburg
Executive Director