Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2026

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) across the nation. During DVAM, victim advocates, allies, survivors of abuse, their loved ones, and communities come together to mourn the lives lost to domestic violence and raise awareness to end this epidemic. North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic (NSLAC) continues to take an impactful stand against domestic violence, providing them with the necessary legal advocacy and compassionate support to help them safely achieve independence.

NSLAC has planned a series of engaging events and initiatives to raise awareness, educate the community, and provide essential support to those affected by domestic violence during the month of October. Through partnerships with local businesses, public transportation, and community leaders, NSLAC is set to make a significant impact during this critical month. 

Find out more about NSLAC's unique DVAM opportunities below.

Learning & Exploration 

This DVAM, we honor the voices, stories, and lived experiences shared through books, film, and storytelling. Looking for your next read or watch? Explore some of our staff recommendations below:

Little Big Lies

4th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Conference 

NSLAC will participate in the 2026 Domestic Violence Awareness Month event hosted by the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office on October 1st. Lia Kim-Yi, Director of Immigration Law Practice at NSLAC will participate in a roundtable discussion addressing U-Visas and protections available under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). 

When?
Wednesday, October 1, 2026
8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Where? 
College of Lake County (Grayslake Campus)
Auditorium A011 (Lower Level)

Register HERE

Domestic Violence Conference Illinois

Domestic Violence Awareness Month Events

In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we are excited to host a special “Voices of Justice” event highlighting North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic’s Domestic Violence Law Practice. Join us for a conversation on how current policies and socio-economic factors are impacting the communities we serve and shaping NSLAC’s work.

This casual, gathering is an opportunity for staff, volunteers, and supporters to connect, learn, and engage in meaningful discussion. Refreshments will be provided.

Kindly RSVP to events@NSLegalAid.org

Date & Time: Wednesday, September 30 at 6:30 p.m.

Location will be provided upon RSVP

Town Hall Proclamations and Community Recognition 

We are proud to partner with local governments across Cook and Lake Counties to issue proclamations recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month. NSLAC staff will also speak at public meetings to share how residents can help prevent abuse and support survivors. This year, NSLAC is accepting proclamations from Buffalo Grove, Highland Park and Highwood. 

End DV Fund

When survivors are in crisis, they need immediate, trusted legal help. Your donation to the End DV Fund ensures that NSLAC can continue providing free services to individuals fleeing violence. Every dollar makes a difference. Donate Today! 

Domestic Violence Donation Fund

PACE Bus Advertising Campaign 

Thanks to the generosity of PACE, NSLAC’s awareness campaign will appear on bus routes across suburban Cook and Lake Counties. These ads share a simple, lifesaving message: Help is available. You are not alone.

DVAM

Social Media Sharing 

Throughout October, NSLAC will share stories, safety tips, and educational content across its social media platforms. Help us spread the word by sharing our content and using the hashtags: #DVAM2025 #EndDV #NoMoreDomesticViolence #NSLACForSurvivors

#EndDV

Resources and Education

Explore our library our resources, flyers and blogs below.

NSLAC Flyers

NSLAC Legal Library

The NSLAC Legal Library offers free, accessible, and multilingual online resources that help survivors understand their legal options. From emergency orders of protection to custody and housing rights, this tool empowers individuals to take informed action.

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Safety Planning for Survivors of Domestic Violence

A safety plan is a personalized plan that can help you think through ways to stay safe during an abusive relationship, while preparing to leave, or after leaving. There is no one right way to do it, and every survivor’s situation is different...
Read More
Digital Abuse Legal Help
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Protecting Families Against Co-Parental Digital Abuse Through Technology Awareness

Devices like children's watches and home security apps offer enticing features such as discreet listening, video surveillance, and location tracking, promising enhanced security, connectivity, and convenience. ...
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Pet safety planning for pets
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Plan de emergencia para mascotas: cómo proteger a su mascota

Para muchas familias, las mascotas son mucho más que animales; son miembros queridos de la familia. Aunque nadie quiere pensar en la posibilidad de separarse de su mascota, pueden ocurrir emergencias inesperadas...
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It’s Not Just Drama: Teen Dating Violence Is Real

When we hear teen dating violence, what do we picture? Is it a hallway scuffle?  Is it a toxic relationship TikTok video? Or maybe the concerning bruise on our friend’s arm? We see things like this happening in our high schools and across the country, yet no one seems to talk about it...
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How to help someone in an abusive relationship?
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How to Help Someone Who Could Be in an Abusive Relationship?

Recognizing the signs of domestic violence can be overwhelming, and knowing how to help someone in an abusive relationship may be difficult. However, your support is crucial to their safety and security...
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Social workers in court

How Social Workers Empower Domestic Violence Survivors in Court

Facing the legal system can feel daunting, particularly for survivors of domestic violence. Courtrooms are unfamiliar and intimidating spaces, filled with legal jargon, security procedures, and the distressing presence of an abuser...
Read More
Pet safety planning for pets
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Emergency Pet Planning: A Guide for Pet Owners

In recent months, stories of pets left behind following immigration enforcement actions have highlighted the importance of having a plan in place, particularly for immigrant families and other households facing uncertain circumstances. Learn how to create a pet emergency plan, choose a caregiver, prepare important documents, and keep your pets safe...
Read More
Divorce in Illinois for Domestic Violence Survivors

Divorce in Illinois for Survivors of Domestic Violence

Illinois is a no-fault state, which means you don’t have to prove abuse or wrongdoing to get divorced. The only legal ground is an irretrievable breakdown (often referred to as “irreconcilable differences”) of the marriage, meaning that the relationship cannot be repaired...
Read More