Domestic Violence Awareness Month
10-15-2025
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This national observance, which began in 1987, aims to raise awareness of this pervasive issue and its devastating impacts, and to honor survivors.
The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners declared October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Hennepin County at its October 14 board meeting. This resolution reaffirms the county’s commitment to supporting survivors, preventing abuse, and strengthening community partnerships to address domestic violence. The declaration highlights the wide-ranging forms of domestic abuse, including physical, emotional, economic and technological, and the disproportionate impact on women, transgender and nonbinary individuals. The board’s action underscores the importance of coordinated prevention efforts and services to build a community where all people are safe, valued and able to thrive. It's estimated that one in four women and one in nine men are victims of domestic violence in their lifetime. Last year alone, nearly 7,200 domestic violence incidents were reported in Hennepin County
“In 2024, Minnesota lost at least 24 community members to relationship abuse, and at least three more whose deaths we consider suspicious,” according to Violence Free Minnesota, which compiles an annual report on domestic violence homicides. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls intimate partner violence “a significant public health issue. ”Isolation and access to resources are risk factors in domestic abuse. Now is a critical time to expand awareness—both for victims and their support networks—to improve prevention and intervention efforts.
October 2025 Domestic Violence Awareness Month events
October 14 – Hennepin County Board recognition
October 20 – Lowry Avenue bridge will be lit purple in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October 20 – Wear purple for Domestic Violence Awareness Day
Help is available
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, help is available:
Domestic Abuse Service Center: Call 612-348-5073
Minnesota Day One (statewide crisis and resource hotline): Call 1-866-223-1111 or text 612-399-9977