Domestic Violence Awareness Month Address
October 1st, 2025
By Katie Campbell, President and CEO –
October isn’t just a month that marks the beginning of a new season; it’s also known to many as Domestic Violence Awareness (and Action) Month (DVAM). DVAM is a time to raise awareness, support survivors, and educate the public on the impact of domestic violence (DV). This may include hosting events or campaigns designed to promote healthy relationships and prevent gender-based violence. Some organizations and communities may even “go purple,” the color of DV awareness, by turning street or outdoor lighting, fountains, or signage and logos purple. Many people show their support for survivors and DVAM by wearing purple on Purple Thursday (October 16).
This DVAM is special for us as we wind down our 25 by 2025 campaign to help ensure that 25% of DV shelters in the U.S. are pet friendly by the end of the year. And, for the first time ever, RedRover is hosting a DVAM campaign focused on raising awareness of the link between human and animal violence, and how communities can take action to keep survivors and their pets safe and together.
We launched the campaign with a panel discussion with leaders working in this space (check out the recap here!) – Claire Ponder-Selib from NOVA, Ashley Rumschlag from DomesticShelters.org, Lorie Westhoff from Purina, and Candice Amundson, who is a survivor turned advocate. This was followed up with a conversation with trusted leaders Stacey Zeitlin from San Diego Humane Society and Dr. Sarah Reidenbach from Ruthless Kindness – both organizations helping to transform how we as animal welfare/well-being organizations are helping to transform how we support both ends of the leash.
Plus, there’s still more to come! We encourage you to join us for one of our upcoming events: RedRover.org/DVAM. And, more importantly, we encourage you to keep learning and advocating for survivors and pets in your community.
Katie Campbell
RedRover President and CEO
