Domestic violence doesn’t always look like what you see in the headlines. It could be your co-worker, your best friend, or the family living next door. Every minute in the United States, an average of 24 people are physically abused by an intimate partner. In Florida alone, law enforcement responds to more than 100,000 domestic violence cases each year. And countless others suffer in silence, never reported, never seen.
SafeSpace, the only certified domestic violence center serving Florida’s Treasure Coast, is breaking that silence this October to observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). First established in 1981 as a national “Day of Unity,” DVAM unites communities across the country in efforts to end domestic violence, raise awareness, and support survivors.
This year’s campaign theme “Safety. Support. Solidarity.” calls on individuals, families, and organizations across the Treasure Coast to stand #WithSurvivors.
“Domestic violence thrives in silence,” said Jennifer Fox, CEO, SafeSpace. “By standing together in Safety, Support and Solidarity, we send a powerful message to survivors across the Treasure Coast: you are not alone, we are #WithSurvivors.”
Throughout October, SafeSpace will host a series of events and activities:
- Purple Thursday (Oct. 16): Wear purple to show solidarity with survivors and post your photos with #WithSurvivors.
- Amethyst Gala (Oct. 17): SafeSpace’s signature fundraising event, shining a light on survivor stories and raising critical funds for lifesaving services. The event will take place on Friday, Oct. 17, 6 p.m. at Tesoro Club in Port St. Lucie. For more information, visit: 2025Amethyst.Givesmart.com
- DVAM Day of Giving (Oct. 23): A community-wide day of generosity to fund SafeSpace’s programs.
For more information, resources, and ways to get involved, visit safespacefl.org or call the SafeSpace 24/7 Hotline at 772.288.7023.
About SafeSpace
SafeSpace is the Treasure Coast’s only certified domestic violence center, serving survivors and their children 24/7. Since its founding, SafeSpace has provided more than 500,000 safe nights of shelter to over 40,000 victims and children. Its comprehensive programs include shelter, legal advocacy, financial literacy, counseling, prevention education, and specialized children’s services.
Funds raised through the Amethyst Gala will directly support these essential services, ensuring survivors find refuge, support, and the resources needed to build safe, independent lives.