BALTIMORE, MD (October 1, 2025) - Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott, the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE), and intimate partner violence prevention advocates announced the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Established in October 1987, the month commemorates the yearlong efforts of advocates, survivors, community-based organizations, and partners working collectively to break the cycle of abuse, promote safety, and strengthen pathways to healing.

This year's theme, "With Survivors, Always," honors survivors, advocates, first responders, and the many families who have lost loved ones to domestic violence, including children and bystanders.

"Domestic violence prevention is central to Baltimore's Comprehensive Violence Prevention Plan," said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. "Healthy families build healthy neighborhoods, and that requires all of us; government, community, and systems, working together. By modeling healthy relationships, conflict resolution, and compassion in front of our young people, we can shift a culture of silence into one of safety, respect, and accountability. We must continue to work together to put an end to domestic and intimate partner violence in our communities."

Over the past three years, Baltimore has experienced historic reductions in homicides, including domestic violence-related homicides. This year, there has been nearly a 13% reduction in reported domestic violence crimes against a person when compared to the same period last year.

"When we say, 'With Survivors, Always', we include our young people, many of whom silently navigate traumas in their relationships at home and in community. Our obligation as City leaders is to create supportive, safe conditions for young people to process and integrate their experiences while mitigating their exposure to violence--domestic and otherwise," said Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen.

"Domestic violence is not just a personal tragedy, it is a crisis felt by our entire community," said Councilman James Torrence, District 7. "Too many of our neighbors are suffering in silence, behind closed doors. We must strive to build a culture that believes survivors, protects families, and holds people accountable, not just with words, but with action. That is how we stand 'With Survivors, Always'."

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, one in three women, one in four men, one in three teens, and one in two LGBTQ+ individuals report experiencing physical, emotional or sexual violence in an intimate relationship. This year alone, domestic violence has accounted for nearly a quarter of all violent crimes in Baltimore City and the Baltimore City Visitation Center facilitated nearly 535 supervised visits and monitored exchange services for 65 families including 79 children impacted by domestic violence.

"MONSE is proud to partner with Mayor Scott in recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, redoubling our commitment to support survivors and engage in the work that helps prevent this violence," said Stefanie Mavronis, Director of the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement. "Each and every one of us has a role to play in building a safe community where healthy, respectful, and nonviolent relationships are the norm."

MONSE's Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Prevention team regularly holds prevention workshops to raise awareness among young people on the signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships while also providing direct service assistance, crisis intervention and court accompaniment to survivors of domestic violence.

The City will officially launch Domestic Violence Awareness Month this evening, Wednesday, October 1, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Coppin State University.

"At Coppin State, we are committed to a campus culture of zero tolerance for domestic and gender-based violence," said Coppin State University President Anthony L. Jenkins. "When students, faculty, and community stand together, we send a clear message that survivors are not alone, and that higher education must prepare not only for careers but for a generation that leads with empathy, equity, and courage."

Mayor Scott and MONSE encourage all Baltimoreans to take a proactive role this October by committing to "Step Up and Speak Out" against domestic violence. Faith leaders, youth ambassadors, and community associations are asked to partner with MONSE to prevent domestic violence and co-produce public safety.

Supporting survivors takes more than awareness, it means action, accountability, and a shared promise that in Baltimore, safety and dignity are non-negotiable.

Mayor Scott encourages residents to participate in the following:

• 2nd Annual DVAM Kickoff: Step Up and Speak Out, Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m., Coppin State University, Health and Human Services Building, South Quad, 2500 W. North Avenue
• Domestic Violence Awareness National Day of Action: Celebrate Purple Thursday on October 23, 2025, by wearing purple attire, ribbons, and/or purple pins.
• Social Media: Follow MONSE on Facebook, Instagram and X/Twitter throughout Domestic Violence Awareness Month for resources, local events, and tips regarding domestic violence, and by joining the national conversation by including the hashtag #WithSurvivors for #DVAM2025. Survivors deserve safety, support, and solidarity.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence and needs resources and support, please reach out to any of the following helplines and websites listed below or visit your nearest hospital for assistance.

• House of Ruth Maryland: 410-889-7884/hruth.org
• Turn Around, Inc.: 443-279-0379/turnaroundinc.org
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233/thehotline.org

###