Dear John,

As you know, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, when we help the country focus on the ways this issue affects us all. It is always a busy month for FUTURES, and this year is no exception!

I am immensely proud to share our new Love Letter to Survivors, posted just this week. This powerful, moving video reminds people living with violence or abuse now, and those who survived it, that they are worthy of love, of joy, of thriving – that they are strong and resilient, and that tomorrow is within reach.

By sharing the story of Farah and the seemingly simple steps – like connecting with an aunt and establishing routines with her children – that got her through, we hope to dismantle the notion that healing happens only after abuse ends. The video is a love letter and a reminder that hope and change are possible. I hope you will watch and share it! (And if you’d like to learn more about how to help adult and child survivors of domestic violence, please read our issue brief on protective factors.) 

Also during this highly productive month, we led many conversations and released tools to equip professionals and all those who seek to prevent and respond to domestic violence, including:​​​​

• A new series of webcasts hosted by our Juan Carlos Areán and Wendy Mota for programs that work with men about the ways fatherhood can be a tool to motivate change among some men who use violence in their families.
• Our month-long #WorkingWednesdays series, which educated tens of thousands of people about safe leave, how gender-based violence shows in the workplace, and more, and led people to our Workplaces Respond website to get tools to support survivors and prevent workplace violence.
• A new blog examining the intersection between domestic violence and workforce development, featuring Michelle Rafferty of the National Fund for Workforce Solutions and our own Sarah Gonzalez, discussing how workforce development can better support survivors.
• A series of activities for Health Care About Domestic Violence Day, held on October 12 this year, with health care providers and advocates across the country holding events to raise awareness about the health impact of domestic violence and how communities can prevent it and support survivors. Hundreds of people also joined our health team’s webinars this month.

Esta Soler Founder & President