Awareness + Action = Social Change

Social change becomes possible when individuals, communities and institutions have access to both knowledge and tools for action. When equipped with a heightened level of awareness and an understanding of the concrete actions necessary to get there, social change will occur.
 
During Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2017 (#DVAM2017), the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV) is intentionally highlighting awareness and action as key approaches necessary to create lasting social change. This message incorporates a prevention framework that promotes action for individuals, organizations and systems.

As illustrated by this new infographic from the Domestic Violence Awareness Project of the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence:

• Awareness involves efforts to increase knowledge or reshape cultural norms or false perceptions about gender-based violence.
• Action refers to proactive efforts to stop violence and abuse from happening in the first place by interrupting the cultural rules, norms, and constructs that support it.
• Social Change can occur when individuals, families, communities, and institutions have access to both knowledge and tools and act to transform society.

We believe that transformation is possible, that prevention is possible. The power and message of Awareness + Action = Social Change is reflected in the tireless work of advocates, survivors, partners, and allies to stand up against all forms of injustice. When we combine awareness and action, change can occur and we will end domestic violence and other forms of gender-based violence. 

This issue includes PreventIPV resources that support the goals and messages identified by the Domestic Violence Awareness Project for #DVAM2017, including a featured prevention tool for each week in October.

For more, see NRCDV's DVAM 2017 Toolkit for Raising Awareness and Inspiring Action.