October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is observed every October to bring together organizations, advocates, and communities to raise awareness about domestic violence and its effects on individuals and families. The national theme for 2025 is Every1KnowsSome1, which highlights how widespread domestic violence is and encourages people to learn how to support survivors. The state of South Carolina is continuing its campaign, Know What to Say. Know What to Do, which focuses on providing guidance on how to respond when someone you know discloses that they are experiencing abuse.

As the state's only academic health sciences center, MUSC is uniquely positioned to lead the conversation on intimate partner violence (IPV) from a healthcare perspective. Our commitment to this awareness month is a reflection of our dedication to the wellbeing of the communities we serve and our role in providing education and resources to both healthcare professionals and the public. By focusing on the healthcare response to IPV, we aim to equip providers with the knowledge to identify, treat, and support those affected by domestic violence.

The events below are designed to align with these themes and provide resources to the community.

 

• Purple Pinwheel Display
  October 1-7, 2025
  Charleston Medical District Greenway
  This installation is a solemn tribute to those in South Carolina who have lost their lives to domestic violence. A display of purple pinwheels, each one representing a life cut short, will spin silently in the breeze. We hope it will not only honor the victims but also raise awareness about the devastating impact of domestic violence on our communities. Informational signs will be placed throughout the display, offering visitors resources and ways to get involved in the fight to end this epidemic.

• #PurpleThursday
  October 16, 2025
  Join us in wearing purple to show support and raise awareness about intimate partner violence.

• Know What To Say, Know What To Do: A Healthcare Response to IPV Panel Discussion
  October 21, 2025
  Time: 12:00 pm-1:00 pm
  Microsoft Teams 
  This virtual event is designed for healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and social workers, as well as mental health providers and other community partners. Panelists will use a scenario to explain their roles and the services they provide in an acute response situation. The panel will include Dr. Deana Lashley, Forensic Nurse Examiners Karen Hughes and Missy Crapse, Social Worker Theresa Olschan, and Tosha Connors, the CEO of My Sister’s House. The moderator will be Dr. Zakevia Lewis-Kendrick, the Violence Prevention Community Outreach Program Manager at MUSC.
  Continuing Education: Continuing education credits are being arranged for Medical, Social Work, Nursing, and Voluntary Service Program (VSP) professionals.

• Clothesline Memorial for Victims of Domestic Violence
  October 28, 2025
  All Day
  MUSC Horseshoe, 171 Ashley Avenue
  The Clothesline Project is a visual testament to the profound impact of domestic violence. Each article of clothing, hung on the line, represents a life affected. These aren't just garments; they are memorials, each one a unique tribute to a victim from the past year. A small biography accompanies each piece, offering a glimpse into the individual behind the statistics. This display serves as a reminder of the lives lost and forever changed by domestic violence, transforming the abstract into a deeply personal and unforgettable experience.