By Dave Beatty, Founder of Riders Against Domestic Violence
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Across the country, purple ribbons will appear on shirts, storefronts, motorcycles, and community displays.
Behind every ribbon is a reason to care.
Someone is afraid to go home. Someone is being told they cannot survive on their own. Someone is trying to protect their children while figuring out what comes next. And someone who escaped years ago is still rebuilding a life that abuse interrupted.
This month, Riders Against Domestic Violence asks you to help turn awareness into a connection—one that can lead someone toward support, options, and hope.
Some wounds are hidden
Domestic violence can reach into every part of a person’s life. It can involve threats, humiliation, isolation, financial control, sexual coercion, monitoring, and physical harm.
A person may show up for work, smile at the grocery store, or sit beside you at church while carrying fear you cannot see.
You cannot always recognize abuse from someone’s appearance. But you can help create a community where people know they will be heard when they choose to speak.
That begins with listening without judgment.
A purple ribbon can open a conversation
Years ago, I would make 31 purple ribbons, attach them to safety pins, and carry them through October. Each day, I would offer one to someone.
Sometimes it was simply a small gesture of kindness. Sometimes it started a conversation.
You never know what a person is carrying. A ribbon does not tell you their story, and they do not owe you an explanation. But it gives you an opportunity to say:
“This is for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. We want people to know help is available.”
If they want to know more, you can point them toward RADV.org.
You do not need all the answers to help someone find a place to begin.
Tie a Purple Ribbon on the Bridge
This October, we are inviting supporters to take part in Tie a Purple Ribbon on the Bridge.
A bridge represents a connection between where someone is and where they hope to be. For RADV, that connection is the heart of our mission.
Where permission allows, place a purple ribbon on a bridge railing or an approved display. Keep walkways clear, protect the surroundings, and remove the ribbon afterward.
You can also wear a ribbon, display one at your business, or share a photograph with a message of support.
Send your campaign photos to wearethebridge@radv.org. Please avoid identifying survivors or sharing anyone’s personal story without their permission.
Let each ribbon carry this message:
You matter. You deserve safety. There is somewhere to turn.
Make awareness useful
There are practical ways to help throughout October:
- Share survivor resources alongside awareness posts.
- Learn about the domestic violence organizations serving your community.
- Ask local shelters what supplies they currently need.
- Listen when someone tells you they are afraid.
- Respect their privacy and their decisions.
- Keep showing up after October ends.
If someone shares their experience, start with words that leave room for them:
“I believe you. You don’t deserve this. How can I support you?”
Avoid demanding that they leave immediately or confronting the person harming them. Help should support a survivor’s safety and choices. A domestic violence advocate can help them explore options and plan their next steps.
To the person living through it
You do not have to make your pain look worse to deserve help.
You do not have to explain everything perfectly. You do not have to have your entire future figured out before reaching out.
What happened to you does not erase your worth.
If today all you can do is consider one safe next step, that step matters. If you have already left and healing still feels difficult, you have not failed.
My prayer this October is that you find people who listen, support that respects you, and room to begin again.
You survived. You matter. You made it this far. Keep going. One mile at a time.
Find your next connection
RADV is a referral resource. We help connect survivors with organizations that provide specialized assistance. Visit RADV.org and contact the listed resources directly.
In the United States, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233), text START to 88788, or visit TheHotline.org. Advocates can offer support and help you explore resources and options. If your device may be monitored, use a safer device when possible.
October gives us an opportunity to reach more people. What we do with that opportunity matters.
Wear the ribbon. Share the resources. Offer kindness. Help someone find their next connection.
We Are the Bridge. Your best miles are ahead.
RADV.org | Riders Against Domestic Violence
Bloom Beyond Bruises—An RADV Initiative
© 2026 Riders Against Domestic Violence (RADV)