October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and, locally, Help Now of Osceola County will offer events throughout the month to educate and raise awareness about the issue while continuing to provide essential services to survivors of domestic violence.
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence first observed domestic Violence Awareness Month in October 1981.
Here’s a list of the awareness events taking place locally in October:
Friday, Oct. 3: Best practices in Intimate Partner Violence with LGBTQ+ (virtual event, to attend sign up at helpnowshelter.org/events). Participants will learn to Identify the unique dynamics of intimate partner violence (IPV) within LGBTQ communities, including barriers to seeking help and distinct forms of abuse (outing, identity-based coercion). Examine how heteronormativity, stigma, and systemic discrimination impact LGBTQ survivors’ access to safety, resources, and justice. Apply trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and affirming approaches when supporting LGBTQ clients experiencing IPV. Demonstrate effective communication strategies that validate clients’ identities, reduce re-traumatization, and foster trust. Integrate best practices and referral pathways to LGBTQ-competent community resources, shelters, and support networks.
Wednesday, Oct. 8: Hope at Every Door: Awareness Campaign: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Florida and Ohio Ave., St .Cloud
Thursday, Oct. 9: St. Cloud Purple Sign Campaign: Join the St. Cloud Police Department from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 11: Spiritual Care for Survivors of Domestic Violence in Diverse Communities (virtual): Participants will learn why spiritual care is essential for survivors, discuss what "spiritual care" means and be provided with methods of spiritual care in diverse communities.
Tuesday, Oct. 14: Veiled Abuse (virtual): Participants will learn about the Muslim Culture, examine the Myth vs. Facts. Engage in discussions around Culture vs. Religion and have a glimpse of what domestic violence appears in the Muslim Communities.
Friday, Oct. 17: Shame, Guilt, and Fear: Emotional Barriers to Safety (virtual): This training examines how shame, guilt, and fear create barriers to safety for survivors of violence. Participants will explore the ways these emotions influence choices, silence voices, and delay help-seeking. The session will provide tolls for identifying these barriers, responding with compassion, and supporting survivors in reclaiming safety, dignity, and empowerment.
Saturday, Oct. 18: Rotary Club of Kissimmee West: Rise & Run 5K. 8 a.m. at NeoCity
Monday, Oct. 20: The Effects of DV on Children: Beyond Behaviors (virtual): Participants will learn the basics of Domestic Violence and its effects on children. Understanding DV Dynamics: and the different forms of abuse. Information on how IPV affects children's behaviors & overall quality of life will be discussed. An emphasis on the importance of taking responsibility as a community for violence prevention. Participants will be informed about the available resources for primary victims, secondary victims and batterers. Discuss strategies for preventing future abuse and promoting non-violent behavior in the community.
Tuesday, Oct. 21: Purple Sign Campaign with Kissimmee Police Department (10 a.m.) and Kissimmee commissioners at City Hall (4:45 p.m.)
Thursday, Oct. 23: Wear Purple Day. Put on your purple, take a photo, and post it on Instagram or Facebook. Tag @helpnowofosceola and spotlight incredible community champions standing strong with survivors and raising awareness about domestic violence, and showing the world what solidarity looks like. Join St. Cloud Police at Sip ‘N Dip on 13th Street for Donuts with a Cop from 9-11 a.m. to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Friday, Oct. 24: Planning with Compassion: Trauma-Informed Safety Strategies. Participants will learn how to apply trauma-informed approaches to safety planning and recognize the importance of survivor centered planning.
Wednesday, Oct. 29: Inaugural St. Cloud Candlelight Vigil: A Light That Remembers. 6 p.m. at City Hall
Thursday, Oct. 30: 16th Annual Rally, Walk and Candlelight Vigil. 6 p.m. at the Osceola County Courthouse steps, walk down and up Broadway, ending at Kissimmee Police Department.
Friday. Oct. 31: Strength Within: Resilience Strategies for Service Providers. Participants will learn the Definition of Resilience and why it is essential in high-stress, high-impact environments. Explore Personal and Professional Strengths and how they can be leveraged to build resilience and maintain well-being. Introduce Practical Resilience Strategies to manage stress, prevent burnout, and maintain emotional balance.
