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Computer use can be monitored and is impossible to completely clear. If you are afraid your internet and/or computer usage might be monitored, please use a safer computer, call your local hotline, and/or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−SAFE (7233) or TTY 1−800−787−3224

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DVAM Challenge – Follower Participation

We are amazed by your response to our DVAM challenge. We would like to thank each and every one of you for helping us to raise awareness of domestic violence through your social media. In honor of your contribution, we want to spotlight a few of the meaningful conversations that we have had. [View the story "DVAM Challenge Participation" on Storify] Thank you again for participating in ... Read More »

DVAM Challenge 9, Share a Message of Support

Welcome to DVAM Challenge 9. We're keeping it short and simple today. Understand your importance as a friend. What you say and do can really make a difference in someone's story. If a loved one confides in you that they are experiencing abuse, believe them and be there for them. This doesn't mean you have to "fix" their situation for them. They may just need ... Read More »

DVAM Challenge 8, For Frustrated Friends & Family

Watching someone you love experience domestic violence can be very disheartening. If the person you care for is not reacting the way that you want them to -- for example, leaving the situation – it’s easy to become frustrated. One of the most common reasons that friends and family members of victims become frustrated is because they witness or hear about abusive behaviors happening repeatedly, but ... Read More »

DVAM Challenge, Day 7: Helping a Loved One

Helping a friend or family member who is in an abusive relationship can be challenging. If you have noticed that your loved one’s relationship is unhealthy, remember that they need your support. Understand that you can't fix or change their situation. Only they can choose what to do. For example, if they aren’t concerned for their immediate safety, then you have to respect that. When talking to ... Read More »

DVAM Challenge, Day 6: Be Supportive

We had a great first week of The Hotline DVAM Challenge. Here were the challenges so far: Challenge 1: Commit to the DVAM Challenge Challenge 2: Share the facts about domestic violence Challenge 3: Take the quiz and test your knowledge Challenge 4: End the stigma by sharing the truth Challenge 5: Know (and share) the signs of abuse This week, we will be focusing on the role that the support ... Read More »

DVAM, Challenge 5: Know the Signs of Abuse

Over 500 people shared our photo from Challenge Four on Facebook! The DVAM Challenge is off to a great start! During this week, we have reflected on how information is powerful in understanding and ending domestic violence. Being able to tell the signs of domestic violence is very challenging, especially when it is happening to someone we love or maybe even ourselves. Please read the following signs ... Read More »

DVAM Challenge, Day 4

We have to remove the stigma around domestic violence. Many statistics show that 1 in 4 women will be abused in their lifetime. Despite this high number, abuse is still a taboo subject. We need to make domestic violence an issue that we can talk about openly so that victims and survivors won't feel judged for experiencing abuse. We should make sure that anyone who ... Read More »