Each October, communities across Iowa and the nation come together to recognize and support individuals impacted by intimate partner violence during Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM).
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Your support — whether as an advocate, ally, or community member — matters deeply. Together, we can shine a light on the realities of domestic violence and take action to ensure safe, thriving futures for all.
DVAM is a vital time to:
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Honor survivors
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Strengthen prevention efforts
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Equip communities with tools to create lasting change
ICADV Campaign:
40 Years Strong – 31 Days of Courage and Change
This October, ICADV marks 40 years of advocacy and impact. Join us for our 40 Years Strong:
31 Days of Courage and Change Campaign — a month-long recognition of perseverance, resilience, and collective action. Each day we’ll highlight milestones, stories, and resources that showcase how four decades of advocacy have shaped safer communities across Iowa.
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👉 Follow the campaign on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, BlueSky, and LinkedIn!
LIGHTS
Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Altar
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Saturday, November 1, 2025
Birdland/Ding Darling Enclosed Shelter, Des Moines
3-6 p.m.
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Please join us at the Birdland/Ding Darling Enclosed Shelter in Des Moines on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, from 3-6 p.m. to view our Día de los Muertos Altar in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM).
For the past four years, we have incorporated this Latinx tradition into our DVAM activities to reflect, remember, and honor the lives of loved ones who have passed due to domestic violence. The altar provides an opportunity for advocates, community members, and state leaders to remember those who lost their lives while learning about ongoing efforts to prevent domestic violence and promote safety across Iowa.
We hope you will stop by, bring a photo or memento to place on the altar, and take a moment to reflect on the stories and faces of those who left us far too soon.
This year, our team has been working with a local Promotoras group to bring the altar to life. The groups creativity, cultural knowledge, and community perspective is shaping a meaningful tribute that honors those whose lives were taken too early. We are grateful for their dedication and collaboration in making this year’s altar a powerful reflection of remembrance, resilience, and community.
National Campaign
2025 Theme - With Survivors, Always
This year's national theme is "With Survivors, Always," highlighting the importance of partnership with survivors — a commitment to safety, support, and solidarity. It is both a call to action and a pledge to actively listen, respond, and center survivor voices in every aspect of advocacy.
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The theme reminds us that advocacy goes beyond crisis response — it is about building systems, communities, and public policies that prioritize survivors’ well-being today and every day.
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👉​​ Click here to learn more, download resources, and social media content.​
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Purple Thursday
Purple Thursday — sometimes known as "Wear Purple Day" — is an opportunity for our movement to stand together in solidarity, honor honor survivors, and reaffirm our commitment to ending domestic violence.
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Here’s how you can participate:
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Wear Purple: Show your support with a purple accessory or clothing
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Raise Awareness: Start conversations — ask others why they’re wearing purple and share why this cause matters to you
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Share on Social Media: Post your purple look with #PurpleThursday and #DVAM2025 to amplify
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Get Involved: Invite your friends, colleagues, families, and neighbors join in raising awareness.
By coming together to wear purple on October 16, we are reminding survivors they are seen, supported, and not alone, and strengthens our collective commitment to create safe and thriving communities.​​​