Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2026: With Survivors, Always
Every October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month calls attention to something that happens too often behind closed doors and affects far more than the people directly involved.
The national theme for 2026 is “With Survivors, Always.” It is a reminder that awareness matters, but awareness alone is not enough. Supporting survivors also means creating safer families, making help accessible, listening without judgment, and understanding how domestic violence can affect children and families long after an immediate crisis has passed.
At Family Service Rochester, that work connects with several of the services we provide.
Our Domestic Violence Education and Support services help adults and children who have been affected by domestic violence. For children, exposure to violence in the home can show up in many ways, including fear, anxiety, anger, isolation or difficulties at school. FSR provides a safe setting where children can learn about domestic violence, talk about their experiences in age-appropriate ways, understand that they are not responsible for another person's behavior, and learn ways to care for themselves.
FSR's Family Access Center also works with families where conflict or domestic violence may make parenting time or the exchange of children difficult or unsafe. Trained staff provide supervised and monitored parenting time and safe exchanges in a neutral setting, helping children maintain important relationships while reducing their exposure to adult conflict.
Domestic violence can also leave emotional effects that continue well beyond the immediate situation. FSR's mental health professionals provide strengths-based, trauma-informed counseling for individuals, couples and families, including people whose lives have been affected by trauma and domestic violence.
These services reflect an important part of responding to domestic violence: safety is not a single event. It can involve practical support, emotional healing, safe relationships, stable environments for children and people who are willing to listen and help.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is also an opportunity for all of us to think about our role. We can learn to recognize signs of abuse and control. We can listen when someone chooses to tell us what is happening. We can avoid blaming or judging. And we can help connect people with resources when they are ready.
Most of all, we can remember that survivors do not need our assumptions about what they should do. They need to be heard, believed and supported as they make decisions about their own safety and their families.
That is what “With Survivors, Always” asks of us, not only during October, but throughout the year.
To learn more about Family Service Rochester's domestic violence, family stability or mental health services, call 507-287-2010 or visit the FSR website.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
