Aggies Against Violence

October is observed as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This initiative was started in 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence to connect battered women’s advocates across the United States. Every October, individuals and communities across the nation join together to raise awareness of domestic violence and all forms of relationship violence as a public health issue, and educate others on how they can take action, support those impacted, and help prevent abuse from occurring.

During October, Student Life acknowledges this cause through campus programming and awareness efforts, including Purple Thursday. Observed annually on the third Thursday of October, Purple Thursday is a national day of action that encourages communities to wear purple to symbolize peace, courage, survival, and a commitment to ending relationship violence.

January is National Stalking Awareness Month. It was officially launched in 2004 by the National Center for Victims of Crime. This initiative serves as a call to action, urging us to recognize warning signs and respond to the serious crime of stalking.

January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. This crucial initiative, first declared in 2010, aims to raise awareness about the various forms of human trafficking and educate communities on identifying and responding to this crime.

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, which highlights the importance of recognizing unhealthy and abusive relationship behaviors among young people. As many college students are navigating relationships in early adulthood, this initiative focuses on promoting healthy relationships and spreading awareness of warning signs.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month — a campaign that aims to raise public awareness about sexual assault and educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence in the United States. The initiative was officially declared in 2001 by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC). During April  advocates, survivors, loved ones, and communities come together to openly discuss sexual violence, support survivors, increase awareness, and identify prevention strategies and resources.. It’s a crucial time to advance education and social change related to this public health issue.

During April, Student Life acknowledges this cause through programming and awareness efforts, including Teal Tuesday and Denim Day. Teal Tuesday is observed on the first Tuesday of April and encourages communities to wear teal in support of survivors of sexual assault. Denim Day is observed on the last Wednesday of April and is an international day of solidarity with survivors of sexual violence that challenges victim-blaming attitudes and affirms that clothing is never consent.

Looking for books, articles, podcasts, documentaries, resources, or national organizations to follow on social media that provide accurate and evidence-based information on the prevention of relationship violence, sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking? Visit our LibGuide, hosted by Texas A&M Libraries.