It’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Non-Profit Shares How to Get Involved

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and while domestic violence occurs in our community year-round, this month serves as an additional reminder of how we can support victims.

Alternatives to Violence (ATV), a local non-profit that provides shelter, advocacy, resources, and more to domestic violence victims, has a variety of ways for Northern Coloradans to get involved.

"Domestic violence thrives in silence," said Kari Clark, Executive Director of ATV, in our "Tuned In to NoCo" interview. "To be able to support and help victims and survivors and to prevent domestic violence in the future, we all, everybody in the community, need to talk about it."

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On Wednesday (Oct. 13), the organization is hosting Domestic Violence: Shining a Light in Our Community, an event designed to educate attendees about how to recognize domestic violence situations — and about how to help someone facing one. Guests can attend in person at Realities for Children (308 E County Rd. 30, Fort Collins) or via Zoom.

During the last week of October, ATV is encouraging the public to don purple, the color of domestic violence awareness, and post photos to social media tagged with #ATVDVAM2021. The non-profit is also always open to volunteers and donations.

Along with attending events and spreading awareness, one of the best ways to get involved is simply by learning about the issue at hand.

"I just appreciate anybody finding out what they can. Somebody you know is a victim of domestic violence, so the more information you have, the best you can help," said Clark. "One in four women and one in seven men are currently victims of violence. Let's work our way that we can to get people out of those situations."

Learn more about Domestic Violence Awareness Month by listening to the full "Tuned In to NoCo" interview with Kari Clark below.