By Jacob Mills
MIAMI-DADE FL — On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, Miami-Dade County will launch National Domestic Violence Awareness Month with a special event hosted by the Community Action and Human Services Department’s (CAHSD) Violence Prevention and Intervention Division and the Domestic Violence Oversight Board (DVOB). The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the lobby of the Stephen P. Clark Center, located at 111 NW 1st St., Miami, FL 33128.
“As we launch National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we reaffirm our dedication to ending the cycle of violence in our community,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Our commitment to ending domestic violence is unwavering. Together, we can build a future where everyone feels safe, valued, and heard. Let’s work hand in hand to break the silence and create lasting change.”
Since its inception in 1987, National Domestic Violence Awareness Month has united communities across the country in the effort to combat domestic violence. Each year, more than 12 million women and men are victims of intimate partner violence in the U.S., with one in three women and one in four men experiencing physical abuse during their lifetimes. Domestic violence also accounts for 15% of all violent crimes annually, making it a critical public health issue.
This ceremony marks the start of a month-long initiative dedicated to raising awareness about domestic and intimate partner violence, while highlighting resources available to support survivors in the community. For over 30 years, CAHSD has offered essential services including emergency sheltering, counseling, and safety planning to individuals and families affected.
“We are committed to supporting survivors, raising awareness, and fostering community collaboration in the fight against domestic violence,” said Tania Avellanet, Assistant Director of CAHSD. “This kickoff event is a crucial step in our ongoing efforts to empower survivors and strengthen the support networks available to them.”
Throughout the month of October, municipalities across Miami-Dade County will host a series of events designed to raise awareness, educate the public, and support survivors of domestic violence. Notable events include:
- October 5: North Miami Beach Police Department will host a 5K Run & Walk at Senator Gwen Margolis Amphitheater, 16451 Miami Dr., North Miami Beach, FL 33162.
- October 9 & 10: Screenings of “The Last Drop” at the University of Miami’s Bill Cosford Cinema (5030 Brunson Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33246) and Julius Littman Performing Arts Theater (17011 NE 19th Ave, North Miami Beach, FL 33162). Produced by survivor and advocate Adam Joel, this sci-fi film about relationship abuse will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Joel and local domestic violence experts.
- October 10: The City of Miami Police Department will host a Domestic Violence Awareness Walk from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at MPD Central Station, 400 NW 2nd Ave., Miami, FL 33128.
- October 19: Miami Gardens Police Department will hold its 4th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex, 3000 NW 199th St., Miami Gardens, FL 33056.
- October 27: The City of Hialeah will host an Awareness Walk at Goodlet Park, 4200 West 8th Ave., Hialeah, FL 33012.
In solidarity with survivors, buildings throughout the county will be illuminated in purple, the official color of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. If you work in a building that can be illuminated, contact Griselle Marino at (305) 297-3139 or griselle.marino@miamidade.gov
CAHSD and DVOB encourage all members of the community to attend these events and engage in meaningful conversations about domestic violence prevention and intervention. These events aim to provide education, empower survivors, and inspire collective action to prevent future violence.
To register for the Domestic Violence Awareness Month Kickoff event click here. For more information about CAHSD please visit www.miamidade.gov/socialservices. CAHSD provides services aimed at improving the quality of life for families in Miami-Dade County.