Every October, communities across the country talk more openly about domestic violence. It affects more people than most of us realize: neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family members who may never have said a word.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a chance to change that, and to make sure people know support is close to home.
Need support now? Call our 24/7 hotline at 1.800.770.1650 or text IOWAHELP to 20121. It’s free and confidential, and no one needs to know what to call their situation to start.
This October: Ways to Show Up
At a glance
- All month: Fill Every Chair with Hope
- All month: Stickers at coffee shops and pharmacies
- All month: Hope in Action workplace days
- All month: Messages of hope at Renewed Hope Thrift Store
- Tuesday, October 20: Culver’s Share Day, Sioux Center
- October 26 to 30: Empty Chair Display, Centre Mall, Sioux Center
- October 26 to 31: Fareway Round Up
Fill Every Chair with Hope
Each chair in our Empty Chair Display stands for an Iowan whose life was taken by domestic violence. This year, the display honors 449 Iowans.
A $25 gift fills a chair with hope and helps make sure someone is there to answer the next call for help. Every person who fills a chair with hope can also be recognized on our online Tribute Wall.
Empty Chair Display
See the display in person at the Centre Mall in Sioux Center, October 26 to 30. It’s up every day, and takedown begins around 1 pm on Friday, October 30.
Culver’s Share Day | Tuesday, October 20
Stop by Culver’s of Sioux Center to dine in, use the drive-thru, carry out, or order online. The busier the day, the more comes back to FCC, with up to 20% of sales donated.
Fareway Round Up | October 26 to 31
Round your purchase up to the nearest dollar at Fareway in Sioux Center, Orange City, Sheldon, Hull, Emmetsburg, Estherville, and Spirit Lake. Last year, those round-ups added up to $3,753.31 for people facing violence and harm close to home.
Look for Our Stickers
More than 57,000 stickers with our hotline and text line are going on coffee cups and pharmacy bags across the region. For someone who needs help, a sticker might be the first time they learn there’s a place to start.
You’ll find them in Sioux Center, Hull, Orange City, Rock Valley, Sheldon, Hartley, Sanborn, Sibley, Carroll, Lake City, Rockwell City, Sac City, Odebolt, Lake View, Denison, Onawa, Mapleton, Arnolds Park, Ida Grove, Spencer, Emmetsburg, Estherville, Spirit Lake, and Milford. Spot one? Snap a photo and tag us @familycrisiscenters.
Hope in Action
Workplaces can choose a day in October for employees to give $5 to FCC and wear a Hope in Action sticker. Some pair it with a casual or denim day. It’s an easy way to start a conversation and show coworkers that support is close by. Last year, local workplaces raised nearly $5,000 through Hope in Action, one $5 sticker at a time. To sign up your workplace, email us at fcc@familycrisiscenters.org or call 712-722-4404.
Messages of Hope at Renewed Hope Thrift Store
All month, shoppers can give $1 to write an encouraging message for the in-store display. Every note is a visible reminder that the community stands with people facing violence and harm.
Understanding Domestic Violence
Domestic violence doesn’t always look the way people expect. These articles explain what it can look like and how to help:
- Why Don’t They Just Leave?
- What is coercive control?
- Understanding Financial Abuse
- Isolation in a Relationship
Common Questions
When is Domestic Violence Awareness Month?
Every October.
How can I help if I can’t give money?
Share this page, visit the Empty Chair Display, round up at Fareway, or talk openly with the people in your life. Knowing where to point someone matters.
Can I call if I’m worried about someone else?
Yes. Our advocates can help you talk through what you’re seeing and how to support them.
Is calling the hotline confidential?
Yes. Support is free and confidential, and there’s no pressure to decide anything on the first call.
Support Is Available
Whether someone is in crisis, still figuring things out, or worried about a person they love, support is here day or night.
Call 1.800.770.1650 or text IOWAHELP to 20121.