October

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). During DVAM, victim advocates, allied professionals, survivors of abuse, their loved ones, and the surrounding community come together to mourn the lives lost to domestic violence, celebrate the progress that has been made to end this epidemic, and connect with others working to create change.

When: 11:00am - 1:00pm

Where: KC Lobby 

Join the Center for Health and Well-being and the Violence Prevention Task Force as we kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month at GVSU! This event is an opportunity to learn more about domestic violence prevention, healthy relationships, consent, and the resources available to support students.

Stop by to connect with campus and community partners, learn how you can contribute to a culture of respect and safety, and discover opportunities to participate in DVAM activities throughout October. Together, we can promote awareness, support, and healthy relationships across our campus community.

When: 11:00am-1:00pm

Where: Dance Studio

STUDENTS ONLY 

Students-Only Class | In partnership with the GVSU University Counseling Center and Recreation and Wellness

Yoga Therapy for Stress is a co-facilitated course that combines accessible yoga, breathing, relaxation, and psychoeducation to help students manage stress and strengthen the mind-body connection. Students will learn practical strategies for navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, and everyday challenges through a trauma-sensitive, person-centered approach. No previous yoga experience is necessary.

As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this course invites students to reflect on the importance of safety, self-care, supportive connections, and healthy relationships while building practical tools to support their well-being.

FREE Class

When: 8:15pm

Where: Dance Studio

Unwind, release stress, and reconnect with yourself during this relaxing yoga session, offered in collaboration with Recreation and Wellness.

As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this class highlights the importance of self-care, respect, and healthy relationships.

All experience levels are welcome!

FREE Class!

When: 7:30am-8:30am

Where: Dance Studio

Start your day with slow, intentional movement, mindful breathwork, and yoga poses designed to build strength and balance while calming your mind.

Offered in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this session invites you to reconnect with yourself and reflect on the importance of self-care, respect, and healthy relationships.

All experience levels are welcome!

FREE Class!

When: 7:30am-8:30am 

Where: Dance Studio

Start your day with slow, intentional movement, mindful breathwork, and yoga poses designed to build strength and balance while calming your mind.

Offered in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this session invites you to reconnect with yourself and reflect on the importance of self-care, respect, and healthy relationships.

All experience levels are welcome!

FREE Class!

When: 4:00pm - 4:30pm (Meet at KC 1201 to ride Laker Line to the Blue Bridge) 

5:00pm-6:30pm Gathering at the Blue Bridge

Where: The Blue Footbridge in Grand Rapids, MI.

INT 100/201 Approved 

Each year, our community gathers to honor the lives of those lost to domestic violence, support survivors, and renew our commitment to ending abuse.

Please join the Domestic Violence Action Network (DVAN) of Kent County for our annual Candlelight Vigil. Together, we will remember those whose lives were taken, recognize the strength and resilience of survivors, and stand alongside families and advocates working toward a future free from violence.

The evening will include: • A reading of the names of those who lost their life due to Intimate Partner Violence in Michigan this past year • Reflections from community leaders and advocates • Opportunities to connect with local organizations and learn how you can help prevent domestic violence

Whether domestic violence has touched your own life or you simply want to stand with your neighbors, your presence matters. Together, we send a powerful message that every life is valuable, every survivor deserves support, and our community will continue working toward safety and hope for all.

Time: The vigil will be 6-6:30pm. From 5-6pm attendees are invited to learn about how Domestic Violence impacts our community by visiting interactive exhibits installed along the Blue Bridge.

Location: The Blue Footbridge in Grand Rapids, MI.

Parking: The Fulton-Market lot will be free to those attending the vigil starting at 4pm. 100 Ottawa Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 This event is free and open to everyone. Families, friends, advocates, professionals, and community members are all welcome.

When: 10:00am - 1:00pm

Where: YWCA 25 Sheldon Ave SE Grand Rapids MI 

For Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we are proud to invite you to participate in In Their Shoes®: West Michigan, a new initiative developed by Dr. Belcher through the YWCA.

Inspired by the nationally recognized In Her Shoes® program from the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, this initiative takes a unique approach to domestic violence education. Instead of traditional training or presentations, this campaign focuses entirely on experiential learning.

We would love to have you attend this impactful event. 

When: 6:00pm-7:30pm

Where: Central Park Place 421 Columbus Ave Grand Haven, MI

Registration Required

FREE

Join the Violence Prevention Alliance for an educational training on domestic violence including a closer look at power and control dynamics, signs to look for, the impact on survivors, how to help, and available services.

FREE Event

Registration Required

When: 6:00pm-9:00pm

Where: Safe Haven Ministries 2627 Birchrest Dr SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506

Registration Required

FREE

Approximately every 3 months, Safe Haven facilitates its Domestic Violence and Anti-Trafficking Seminar – a foundational training that is open to the public. This training is well-suited for community members that might occasionally work with victims/survivors of domestic violence and/or human trafficking, or for anyone interested in learning more about Safe Haven’s work in the community.

During this 3-hour seminar, participants will explore an array of topics including:

Overview of Safe Haven’s programs, eligibility and referral process

Definitions of domestic violence and human trafficking The intersection of domestic violence and human trafficking Risk factors and indicators of relationship abuse and human trafficking Characteristics of abusers and traffickers A brief overview of human trafficking typologies Basics of the neurobiology of trauma Strategies and steps for providing support to adolescent and adult victims/survivors Safe Haven’s seminars use an array of teaching methods and incorporate opportunities for participants to reflect and apply the content they are learning through discussion and activities.

If you are a staff, active student, volunteer or intern, the fee for training is waived. Please select this option on the registration form.

Please note that this seminar is not the best environment for an individual who is currently experiencing domestic abuse or human trafficking. Please call or text our hotline if you would like information on support groups: 616-452-6664

Please contact us at 616-452-6664 or [email protected] with questions.

Wear Purple for Domestic Violence Awareness

When: All Day!

Where: City and Valley Campus 

�� WEAR PURPLE FOR DVAM ��

Thursday, October 22 is Purple Thursday, a day during Domestic Violence Awareness Month to stand in solidarity with survivors, remember those who have lost their lives to domestic violence, and show our commitment to building safer, healthier relationships and communities.

�� Wear purple.
�� Share your purple.
�� Start a conversation.

Whether it’s a purple shirt, ribbon, sweatshirt, or your favorite accessory, wearing purple is a simple way to make your support visible.

This Purple Thursday, let’s use our collective voice to remind survivors: you are not alone, and support is available.

When: 11:30am - 1:30pm

Where: Virtual 

FREE Registration

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Join Safe Haven as we facilitate a training rooted in developing a better understanding of domestic violence, current challenges and barriers impacting victims, and steps we can all take to support victims and make our communities safer. This virtual training is designed for those who work with or support victims in a personal or professional capacity. Your registration cost goes towards supporting Safe Haven’s mission to support victims and survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking.

Questions? Email Tara at [email protected]

FREE for Students

Year Round Resources

Victim and Survivor Advocacy

Violence Prevention Education