Awareness and Collaboration

DCADV is committed to sharing important information with victims and the community at large and engaging and partnering with individuals and organizations to help achieve our mission to end domestic violence in Delaware. Read more about our efforts:

Awareness 
Events
Outreach to Media
Special Exhibits
Presentations and Trainings
Resource Tables
Print and Electronic Resources
Resources and Information for Victims
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Collaboration

Awareness

Public education is a cornerstone of DCADV's mission and advocacy. DCADV believes that it is imperative to increase public awareness about the terrible cost of domestic violence in our country, where it's estimated that one in four women will be victimized in her lifetime.

DCADV engages in public education initiatives that are aimed at raising awareness in the community and providing information regarding the services and resources available to victims needing help.

Ongoing awareness efforts include events, outreach to media, special exhibits, presentations and trainings, resource tables, and creation and dissemination of print and electronic materials to alert the public about the widespread incidence of domestic violence and violence against women both nationally and in Delaware.  We also provide valuable resources and information that connect victims with the resources and services provided by our member and partner direct service programs.

As part of our mission and outreach efforts, DCADV also supports both the Women of Color Task Force (WOCTF) and WEAVER (Women Empowered Against Abuse in Every Relationship, a survivors' task force) to help ensure that our work reflects both the diverse communities we serve and the victims we seek to empower. The WOCTF has dedicated many hours to providing training on domestic violence for faith communities in Delaware and helps inform our work in communities of color. WEAVER represents a vital voice for victims and survivors, helps raise awareness in the community with a specific focus on victims, and informs both the community and service providers about the needs of domestic violence victims.

Each October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, DCADV, along with its member organizations and government and corporate partners, engages in public education activities intended to raise public awareness and commitment with regard to addressing domestic violence in our society.

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Events

DCADV’s signature annual public awareness event is The Purple Ribbon Event, held each October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Staff also participate in a number of other awareness events with partner and member organizations. Learn about upcoming and past DCADV and partner events.

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Outreach to Media

DCADV has held numerous press conferences to raise awareness about domestic violence over the years, has sponsored outdoor media, conducted print and broadcast interviews, produced and implemented PR campaigns, and delivered speeches to key audiences around the state. Communications staff also regularly send press releases about DCADV and related initiatives and occasionally submit Op Ed pieces on issues related to violence against women. Read about DCADV’s News and Media efforts.

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Special Exhibits

Silent Witness Project

Since 1996, DCADV has been involved with the national Silent Witness Project to remember those murdered in acts of domestic violence. Delaware's exhibit includes life-size silhouettes of 14 victims of domestic violence who died in 1995, as well as one "universal" figure intended to represent all Delaware victims of domestic homicide. The exhibit is frequently on display at various locations, including hospitals, police trainings, news conferences, and resource fairs. Read more about the Silent Witness Project.

Poster Displays

DCADV also sometimes features poster displays, including our extra large “Check Yourself” poster, “Awaiting Instructions” posters, and others, at events, in the Greater Wilmington Visitor’s Bureau, and more. We also feature posters from other organizations, including the Beating Hearts: Stories of Domestic Violence that was on display during Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2011 at The Purple Ribbon Event.

For more information about the Silent Witness Project or to find out how your organization/business can borrow the exhibit or our posters, please contact DCADV at 302.658.2958 or 800.701.0456 or email dcadvadmin@dcadv.org. View the Silent Witness Project lending agreement. Complete the form and fax to 302.658.5049.

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Presentations and Trainings

DCADV staff and volunteers are often invited to speak at events like press conferences, the annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation, and meetings, conventions, and conferences, as well as to workplaces, colleges, churches, civic associations, and other community groups. We can address the general issue and signs of domestic violence, how your workplace or group can get involved, or tailor a more specific message for the needs of your group.

If you would like a speaker or trainer for your group or an upcoming event, please contact DCADV at 302.658.2958 or 800.701.0456 or email dcadvadmin@dcadv.org.

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Resource Tables

DCADV is also frequently invited to provide information and expertise at conferences, expos, meetings, and events. If your organization would like to include DCADV literature and/or a DCADV resource table staffed by a staff, board member, or volunteer at your event, please contact DCADV at 302.658.2958 or 800.701.0456 or email dcadvadmin@dcadv.org.

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Print and Electronic Resources

DCADV produces and disseminates a variety of resources to raise awareness about the widespread incidence of domestic violence and violence against women both in Delaware and nationally:

Calendars

• DCADV Event and Training Calendar
• Monthly Domestic Violence Meeting Calendar
• Domestic Violence Awareness Month Calendar of Events
• Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month Calendar of Events

Fact Sheets, Brochures, and Posters

Press Releases, Public Service Announcements, and PR Campaigns

Resource Library includes a variety of books, videos, and journals about violence against women that are available for borrowing.

Monthly E-Newsletter includes topical articles, details about upcoming DCADV and partner events and initiatives, and opportunities from local, regional, and national networks. Join the DCADV Mailing list. View our most recent E-Newsletter.

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Resources and Information for Victims

Many of our public information materials include the local domestic violence hotline numbers, which are the best first steps for a victim needing information and support. In addition, DCADV provides referrals and technical assistance for victims and service providers working with victims to help individuals connect with the resources most appropriate to their situations.

Resource materials are available upon request or by printing are below:

Resource Cards are plastic, durable, discrete, and can fit in a shoe or wallet. Contact us for one or many of these important cards with phone numbers for service providers throughout the state.

Fact Sheets, Brochures, Posters

Resource Library includes a variety of books, videos, and journals about violence against women that are available for borrowing.

Local Program information

National Resource information

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Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Each October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), DCADV participates in a number of activities to help raise awareness about the issue of domestic violence. The purple ribbon is the symbol of this month and this issue.

During DVAM, DCADV hosts The Purple Ribbon Event and partners with other organizations to host and participate in press conferences and other public information activities. DCADV produces a DVAM Calendar of Events; sends press releases and does media interviews and advertising; lends posters, resources, and the Silent Witness Display for partner events and initiatives; and more. Learn more about Domestic Violence Awareness Month nationally.

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Collaboration

DCADV has a long history of working collaboratively at local, regional, and national levels on efforts to improve Delaware’s system response to victims and abusers. DCADV staff serve on dozens of committees to ensure that the safety and empowerment of victims is paramount, and that offenders are held accountable. Recent and current examples are listed below. DCADV staff:

• support and participate in a number of committees, events, and initiatives hosted by partners, including the Victims’ Rights Task Force, Domestic Violence Task Force, Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, Christiana Care, University of Delaware, Contact Lifeline, NAMI Delaware, Criminal Justice Council, and Department of Health and Social Services
• work with the Division of Public Health to deepen collaborative efforts around prevention and other issues such as maternal/child health
• work with the Intimate Partner Violence Prevention Consortium to focus on engaging men and providing healthy relationships education
• engage in an eight-state collaborative involving the National Center on DV, Trauma and Mental Health and focus on improving the mental health community’s response to domestic violence
• participated on the Teen Dating Violence Task Force chaired by Delaware Senator Liane Sorenson
• worked with a multidisciplinary data workgroup led by the University of Delaware's Center for Alcohol and Drug Studies on the 2010 Delaware School Survey related to dating violence
• work with 13 other State Coalitions as part of the CDC-funded DELTA national collaborative, and as part of the national DELTA Prep program, DCADV served as a mentor to other funded Coalitions in the mid-Atlantic region pursuing prevention initiatives
• partner with Delaware’s Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health to help mental health providers incorporate a trauma-informed approach when working with victims of domestic violence
• serve on the Division of Family Services Advocacy and Advisory Committee and the Teen Reporting and Confidentiality Workgroup of the CPAC Abuse Intervention Subcommittee
• serve on the Delaware Coalition on Health and Justice, to better serve women who are engaged in prostitution, many of whom are victims of DV/IVP and to enhance the trauma-informed capacity of Delaware’s probation system
• participated in a two-day shelter accessibility meeting sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and NNEDV to make recommendations to make shelters more accessible and welcoming to all survivors seeking services
• work with the Office on Violence Against Women and staff at the White House and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Justice on state and national issues, including serving on the National Advisory Committee on Violence Against Women
• serve on the Program Committee of the National Network to End Domestic Violence

Learn about upcoming and past DCADV and partner events

Learn about DCADV Committees and Task Forces

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