15 Ways You Can Help Transform Intimate Partner Violence, Part 2

It takes a village. To transform our culture of violence, particularly intimate partner violence (IPV), we believe it truly does take a village of communities. In part two of this three-part series in honor of CONNECT’s 15th anniversary, we offer five ways you can make a difference for your community and others.

1. Donate to domestic violence intervention and prevention organizations like CONNECT. While our dedicated and hardworking teams, partners and the passionate individuals and communities that embrace us help us to grow through their outreach and support, we also need financial support to sustain and maintain the resources necessary to continue this work. Your donations help support and sustain CONNECT and other like-minded organizations so that we can continue helping IPV survivors and batterers who want to end the cycle of violence. Even the smallest donation can make a big difference. Donate today.

2. Find out if your workplace, school, union and/or faith community has a domestic violence policy. If not, CONNECT can help. For survivors, seeking help can be daunting. It can be a great comfort and relief knowing that help and support is available in the places where a survivor is most familiar. If there are no IPV resources available within your community, CONNECT will partner with you to find and/or build a network so that you can be of help to survivors if and when they reach out.

3. Get involved in IPV awareness through social media and local events. Domestic Violence Awareness Month occurs every October. You can find information on DVAM online, including New York State’s “Shine the Light” campaign, which includes tips and materials available for anyone interested in learning more about DVAM and how to get involved. Search, follow and use hashtag #DVAM2018 on social media to spread the message, show your support and join our violence prevention army throughout the month of October and beyond. Are there any special events being held in your community to raise IPV awareness? If not, let’s create one! Partner with CONNECT to bring a workshop to your faith community, school or workplace. Hold a candlelight vigil. Host a healing service in your faith community. We can help with planning and implementation.

4. Register to vote and support candidates who make IPV resources and prevention a priority (e.g., reauthorizing Violence Against Women Act ). Although CONNECT does not align with nor endorse political affiliations or candidates, we strongly encourage community engagement and involvement. We believe knowledge is power. Become knowledgeable and active in local and national elections. Find out which candidates are in support of legislation that protects survivors, or become one yourself!

5. Host a fundraiser: a cocktail party, bake sale, concert, comedy, or online fundraiser. Everyone loves a gathering…especially when it’s for a great cause. Become a host, or form a committee to raise much-needed funds to support IPV work. Request donations in lieu of gifts at weddings and birthday parties. Help us help survivors.

For more information, read about our approach to ending and preventing interpersonal violence.

Let’s stay CONNECTed! Spread the word by sharing this post, donate today and/or lead a fundraiser!