Baltimore Kicks Off Domestic Violence Awareness Month with Citywide Call to Action

Baltimore, MD (October 1, 2025) — Mayor Brandon M. Scott, alongside the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE) and advocates for the prevention of intimate partner violence, has announced the commencement of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This observance, established in October 1987, highlights the year-round dedication of advocates, survivors, community organizations, and partners working to end abuse, promote safety, and foster healing. This year’s theme, “With Survivors, Always,” aims to honor survivors, their supporters, first responders, and families affected by domestic violence, including those who have lost loved ones and bystanders.

Mayor Scott emphasized that domestic violence prevention is a cornerstone of Baltimore’s Comprehensive Violence Prevention Plan, asserting that healthy families are integral to fostering strong neighborhoods. He called for a united effort involving government, community, and systemic support, advocating for the modeling of healthy relationships, conflict resolution, and compassion to youth as a means of transforming silence into a culture of safety, respect, and accountability. The city has seen significant reductions in homicides, including those related to domestic violence, over the past three years. Data indicates a nearly 13% decrease in reported domestic violence crimes against individuals when comparing the current year to the same period last year.

Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen underscored the inclusive nature of the “With Survivors, Always” theme, specifically mentioning young people who may experience trauma in their home and community environments. He stated that city leaders have a responsibility to create supportive and safe conditions for young people to process their experiences and mitigate exposure to violence. Councilman James Torrence of District 7 described domestic violence as a community crisis that affects numerous neighbors suffering in silence. He stressed the importance of fostering a culture that believes and supports survivors, protects families, and ensures accountability through action rather than mere words.

Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal that a significant portion of the population experiences violence in intimate relationships, including one in three women, one in four men, one in three teens, and one in two LGBTQ+ individuals. In Baltimore City, domestic violence has constituted nearly a quarter of all violent crimes this year. The Baltimore City Visitation Center has played a vital role, facilitating approximately 535 supervised visits and monitored exchanges for 65 families, encompassing 79 children impacted by domestic violence.

Stefanie Mavronis, Director of MONSE, expressed pride in partnering with Mayor Scott to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month and reaffirm the city’s commitment to supporting survivors and preventing violence. She highlighted that building a safe community where healthy, respectful, and nonviolent relationships are the norm is a shared responsibility. The MONSE Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Prevention team conducts workshops for young people on identifying healthy and unhealthy relationships and provides direct assistance, crisis intervention, and court accompaniment to survivors.

The city will officially launch Domestic Violence Awareness Month with an event at Coppin State University on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Coppin State University President Anthony L. Jenkins affirmed the university’s dedication to a campus culture of zero tolerance for domestic and gender-based violence, emphasizing that collective action sends a clear message of solidarity to survivors and prepares a generation to lead with empathy and courage.

Mayor Scott and MONSE are urging Baltimore residents to actively participate throughout October by committing to “Step Up and Speak Out” against domestic violence. Faith leaders, youth ambassadors, and community associations are encouraged to collaborate with MONSE in preventing domestic violence and co-producing public safety initiatives. The city emphasizes that supporting survivors requires more than just awareness; it demands action, accountability, and a commitment to ensuring safety and dignity for all residents.

Residents are invited to participate in several key events and activities: the 2nd Annual DVAM Kickoff: Step Up and Speak Out on October 1st at Coppin State University; observing Purple Thursday on October 23rd by wearing purple; and engaging on social media by following MONSE on Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter for resources and tips, and by using the hashtag #WithSurvivors for #DVAM2025.

For those needing resources and support due to domestic violence, several helplines and websites are available: House of Ruth Maryland at 410-889-7884 or hruth.org; Turn Around, Inc. at 443-279-0379 or turnaroundinc.org; and the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or thehotline.org. Assistance can also be sought at the nearest hospital.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the City of Baltimore

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