Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) was launched nationwide in October 1987 as a way to connect and unite individuals and organizations working on domestic violence issues while raising awareness for those issues. Over the past 30+ years, much progress has been made to support domestic violence victims and survivors, to hold abusers accountable, and to create and update legislation to further those goals. Michelle James, Victim Advocate for Family Crisis Centers, defines domestic violence, potential warning signs of domestic violence, and the resources available to victims of domestic violence. To report domestic violence, call 800-382-5603 or text 'IowaHelp" to 20121.