Love Shouldn’t Hurt: The Urgent Call to End Domestic Violence

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month—a time to speak truth, support survivors, and demand better systems. Domestic violence isn’t just a private issue. It hides in everyday places: behind smiles, under long sleeves, in nervous laughter, or in someone avoiding eye contact.

And here’s the thing: domestic violence doesn’t always look like bruises. Sometimes it’s manipulation. Sometimes it’s control. Sometimes it’s isolation dressed up as "love."

That’s why this month matters.

The Reality of Domestic Violence

Let’s break it down:

• 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men will experience severe intimate partner violence during their lifetime.
  

• It crosses every line—race, class, age, gender, and sexuality.
  

• Abuse often starts subtly: emotional blackmail, financial control, gaslighting, and forced dependency.
  

• Most survivors don’t leave immediately. And they shouldn’t have to explain why.
  

Domestic violence is about power. It’s about fear. It’s about control. Awareness is a start. But what survivors need are safe exits, nonjudgmental support, and community that shows up.

Who’s Most at Risk?

Anyone can be affected, but some are disproportionately vulnerable:

• Women ages 18–34: The highest risk group, often juggling school, jobs, or parenting with little support.
  

• LGBTQ+ individuals: Often face discrimination or are denied services when they try to get help.
  

• People of Color: Systemic racism creates extra barriers to accessing legal or emergency services.
  

• Disabled individuals: May rely on their abuser for care or face inaccessible shelters and services.
  

The Purple Ribbon

That little purple ribbon? It’s not just a symbol. It’s a statement.

Wearing a purple ribbon says: I stand with survivors. I choose to be a safe person. I refuse to ignore or excuse abuse.

Purple is the color of courage, survival, and the fight to end the cycle.

Organizations We Believe In

These orgs are doing real, boots-on-the-ground work. We’re not partnered with them, just fans of their impact:

• The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 24/7 confidential support at 1-800-799-SAFE or thehotline.org
  

• Futures Without Violence: Works on policy, prevention, and education.
  

• Women Against Abuse: Provides shelter, legal aid, and crisis counseling.
  

If you or someone you know needs help, start here.

What You Can Do

Not sure how to help? Start small:

• Listen. No interruptions. No judgment.
  

• Learn. Read about trauma-informed responses.
  

• Share. Post hotline info. Uplift survivor voices.
  

• Wear purple. A ribbon pin can say what words can’t.
  

Why It Matters

Our Domestic Violence Awareness Pins are more than accessories. They are tiny beacons. They help someone feel seen. They start needed conversations. They say: you’re not alone.

[Shop the Domestic Violence Awareness Collection] 

This October, let’s go beyond awareness. Let’s act.

Don’t pity survivors. Show up for them. Stand with them. Amplify their stories. Believe them.

Because real love doesn’t control. It doesn’t hurt. It doesn’t silence.

And nobody should ever have to survive love.