October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM)
Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is a national campaign recognized every October to raise awareness about relationship abuse, honor survivors, and unite communities against relationship violence. The University’s Title IX Office is hosting a number of DVAM events throughout the month to bring awareness to the issue of domestic violence, dating violence, and relationship abuse by providing programming and resources available to everyone, which include learning skills to prevent dating abuse and to engage our campus community to create respectful dating relationships.
Title IX’s 2026 DVAM Calendar of Events and Annual October Displays
Get involved: Throughout October, students, faculty, and staff can participate in a wide variety of events, educational programs, and interactive displays that encourage reflection, learning, and action. We hope to see you at the events below!
October 1
Annual Purple Flag Display Planting for DVAM
Outside Taylor Hall on the River Campus
Volunteer with Title IX Staff at 11am to help plant 1,000 purple flags to bring awareness to the start of DVAM. Each flag symbolically represents the widespread impact that domestic and dating violence has on our communities.
October 1 – 15
Annual DVAM Library Collection Highlight & Display
Rush Rhees Library, Evans Lamb Square & Online at the Library’s DVAM LibGuide
Stop by Rush Rhees Library to check out a book from a collection curated by River Campus Library and Title IX staff for DVAM, pick up a bookmark to color, or visit the DVAM LibGuide online to digitally borrow a book from the collection, which is available all month long.
April 6, 9:30am – 11:30am
Bae-Goals: Relationship Goals Info Tabling (with free bagels)
Wilson Commons, Hirst Lounge
Stop by the Title IX info table to take home info on healthy dating relationships, play a relationship green-flag/yellow-flag/red-flag game with us, and grab a free “bae-goals” (bagel) from our table.
October 7, 11:30am – 1:30pm
Sex and Chocolate Fair: BDSM&Ms
Wilson Commons Hirst Lounge
Join us at the Health Promotion annual October Sex and Chocolate Fair! Free swag, giveaways, chocolate, and more!
October 8, 12pm – 1pm
Plushies and Self-Compassion Workshop
MACK 11 , Multipurpose Room
Our Plushies and Self-Compassion Workshop event is back by popular demand! During the workshop, you will learn how to treat yourself with compassion while taking your time to build a new stuffed friend to take home with you.
*This is not a giveaway. Plushie self-care kits are limited to the first 50 participants, and participants must remain in attendance for the full duration of the workshop to receive a plushie.
October 15, 11am – 1pm
Grow Consent Culture: Rose of Sharon Propagation and Skill Share
Eastman Student Living Center
Eastman students can stop by the Title IX table to help grow consent culture and take home your own Rose of Sharon cutting.
October 16, 11:30am – 1pm
Title IX Signature Lunch and Learn Series
Topic: Anchor Points: Boundaries, Self-Trust, and Choice in Relationships
Susan B. Anthony Hall, Friel Lounge
Our October Lunch and Learn topic is Anchor Points: Boundaries, Self-Trust, and Choice in Relationships. This beginner-friendly somatic workshop helps students build greater awareness of body signals that shape boundaries and communication. Through accessible solo body-based practices and reflection, participants will explore how to recognize internal cues, respond to pressure and uncertainty, communicate needs and limits, and develop greater trust and grounding in their own responses. Did we mention that we feed you?
Registration is required on CCC, as spots are limited.
October 18-24
Red Flags/Green Flags in Relationships Expression Wall
Wilson Commons
Check out what your peers think are red flags and green flags in relationships.
October 22, 10am – 12pm
DVAM Purple Thursday
Wilson Commons, Hirst Lounge
Title IX Staff will be tabling to hand out temporary purple tattoos and other purple swag for Purple Thursday, which is a national day of action to raise awareness about domestic violence, honor survivors and victims, and show support for healthy relationships.
How to Participate:
- Wear Purple: Put on purple clothing, ribbons, or accessories on October 22, 2026, as purple symbolizes peace, courage, survival, and honor.
- Spread the Word: Start conversations with friends, family, or coworkers about domestic violence awareness.
- Share Online: Take a selfie or group photo wearing purple and post it to social media tagging @urtitleix
October 28, 7pm – 8:30pm
Is Your Relationship Spooky?? | Annual October Title IX and Tarot
Rush Rhees Library, Welles-Brown (Room 133)
Come get your Tarot read to learn about spotting the signs of a spooky relationship! Delicious refreshments are provided!
October 29, 11am – 1pm
Bae-Goals: Relationship Goals Info Tabling with free bagels for Simon Students
Simon Lounge
Stop by the Title IX info table to take home info on healthy dating relationships, play a relationship green flag – yellow flag – or red flag game with us, and grab a free bae-goals (bagels) from our table.
You can see more Title IX programming and upcoming events by following Title IX on Instagram or joining our Campus Community Connection site if you’re a student. We hope you join Title IX Staff and other campus partners in raising awareness and taking action to prevent relationship abuse throughout the month of October.