HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY) — October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
To help support services and survivors, there are several events held throughout the month in the area.
Samaritan House Women Against Violence (WAV) Luncheon in Virginia Beach
The 11th Annual Women Against Violence (WAV) Luncheon is held Friday, Oct. 3, at The Westin Virginia Beach Town Center.
The event is a sold-out event with 400 attendees, including community members and business leaders. The event will be held from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
This luncheon recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Samaritan House welcomes New York Times best-selling author and TED Talk veteran Leslie Morgan Steiner as this year’s keynote speaker.
Day of Unity Domestic Violence Vigil in Norfolk
On Oct. 6, from 6:30 – 8 p.m., local domestic violence agencies will gather for a ‘Day of Unity Domestic Violence Vigil’ at Slover Library, 235 East Plume Street in Norfolk.
This event is held annually on the first Monday in October. This vigil marks the beginning of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, established in 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
The Day of Unity is presented by Samaritan House, YWCA South Hampton Roads, Help and Emergency Response, Inc., The Genieve Shelter, Transitions Family Violence Services, Avalon Center, Eastern Shore Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and Norfolk Family Justice Center, along with support from multi-city Victim-Witness programs.
Paint 757 Purple
Paint 757 Purple is an annual Samaritan House fundraiser. The nonprofit organization partners with restaurants, breweries, wineries, retailers, salons, and entertainment venues. The businesses donate a percentage of their sales to the Samariatin House. The initiative spans the entire month of October with an emphasis on October 16th for ‘National Wear Purple’ Day. Visit HERE for the list of participating businesses.
HER Shelter’s 40th Anniversary Gala in Norfolk
The HER Shelter, which is based in Portsmouth and Chesapeake, will celebrate 40 years of empowering survivors of domestic violence, assault, stalking, trafficking, and family homelessness.
On Oct. 18, 2025, WAVY-TV 10’s Markeshia Jackson will emcee the event and set sail on the Spirit of Norfolk to celebrate this momentous occasion.
To purchase tickets, click HERE and Gala Details
AAYA Casa 4th Annual Fundraiser Gala in Hampton
The 4th Annual Behind The Mask Gala ‘Purpose for Your Pain’ is on Saturday, Oct. 18, 6 – 9 p.m. at 3100 Butternut Drive in Hampton, VA 23666.
The Genieve Shelter Gala in Suffolk
The Genieve Shelter Gala will celebrate 37 years of domestic violence advocacy. The mission is to provide safe refuge and support the victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking. Suffolk’s Chief of Police, Chief Buie, will serve as the keynote speaker for the evening. WAVY-TV 10 Investigative Reporter Brett Hall will serve as the emcee.
The gala is on Oct. 18, 6 – 9 p.m. at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts at 110 Finney Ave, Suffolk, Virginia 23434.
Purchase tickets HERE.
Domestic Violence Awareness Summit in Newport News
The United Four Justice and Healing partnership will host a free Domestic Violence Awareness Summit on Thursday, Oct. 16, starting at 8:30 a.m.
The Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, Newport News Police Department Domestic Violence Team, Transitions Family Violence Services, and Riverside Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program hope to raise awareness for domestic violence.
Domestic Violence Awareness Walk in Newport News
The Newport News Police Department’s Domestic Violence Team will host an awareness walk at City Center on Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 5 p.m. NNPD is also hosting a month-long donation drive.
YWCA Moving Ahead Pilot Program
The YWCA of South Hampton Roads will host a ‘Moving Ahead Pilot Program’ financial empowerment program on Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. to noon.
If you or you know someone who may be a victim of domestic violence or child abuse, click here for a list of local and national resources.
