By: Betsey Archambault

October is nationwide Domestic Violence Action Month (DVAM). The original purpose of DVAM was to connect domestic violence advocates around the country and region, but as the month has gained more attention, it has expanded to involve everyone interested in learning about domestic violence, reporting instances and breaking the cycle of violence. This October, we are bringing it to Vashon.

DVAM is also observed to bring to light an issue that affects our island in a staggering way. We know that one in three women and one in four men will experience physical domestic violence in their lifetimes. The next time you are in a room, silently count off, and  then know that rates of domestic violence on Vashon are likely a bit higher than the norm as is the case with most rural locations. Isolation is a contributing factor to heightened rates of violence.

We know that some survivors wish that their neighbors or friends would have said something like, “This isn’t right. This is abuse. You don’t deserve this. This is not your fault.” After a period of time, violence is normalized within the context of a relationship. Even if that person denies it, he or she will then know that you are there for them; you are a friend that can be trusted. And that, though it seems a small thing, is anything but.

We also know that domestic violence is a learned behavior and therefore it is 100 percent preventable.

Tell everyone you know. This is a good thing, as it means that one day, our phones will stop ringing and our doorbells will stop chiming. We will have worked ourselves out of a job, and we see that as a darn good thing.

But for now, we are here and  are a force to be reckoned with; positive cultural shifts here we come.

The whole concept of a month of activities hosted by community members is a surge of support, approval and enthusiasm for DoVE’s overarching goal of eradicating domestic violence and supporting survivors in the best ways we can. I see it as the collective of Vashon Island saying, “Let’s do this.”

At DoVE, we love the fact that community members are becoming activated for October in ways that both create impact and conversation. Island supporters have spoken up about why they are joining in DVAM.

“The work DoVE does is important. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home,” Tami Brockway Joyce told me.

Michelle Reed said that Core Centric “strives to foster and support a physical sense of strength and longevity, and DoVE is in tune with these ideas; building community through education and coaching for a sustainable future.”

Islander Chris Austin said that DoVE advocates “provide essential services sometimes in the most trying of circumstances. While the subject is serious, fundraising doesn’t have to be, and that’s where I thought I could help.”

These three proponents of DoVE, a business woman, a fitness specialist and a writer, have very different careers yet all have found a way to support our mission.

Throughout the month of October, help DoVE raise awareness about domestic violence and join in our efforts to end violence.

Here is what you can do: Make a donation to DoVE in honor of the people in your life who have been impacted by domestic violence; follow us on Facebook and Twitter; wear purple (or color your hair purple)­ — the color of Domestic Violence Action Month — and use this as a way to tell others why ending domestic violence is important to you; join in the events happening around the island, and share the information with friends or host your own event for DVAM.

I say this all the time, and I’ll say it again: Thank you, all of you. DoVE would not have been created without your voice as a catalyst for change. And most certainly, DoVE would not be here now without the incredible support of our island.

Steve Jobs said, “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.”

This is Vashon. Maybe we all have a little bit of crazy. And that’s not a bad thing. Thank you for joining us in our kind of crazy.

— Betsey Archambault is the executive director of The DoVE Project.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month events

Oct. 3: Washington State Fairies Bingo Night at the Vashon Eagles building at 8:30 p.m.

Oct. 4-10: Order a large pizza from Vashon Pizza and $1 will go to DoVE.

Oct. 13-31: Cake raffle at Snapdragon

Oct. 18-24: Coffee for a cause at Café Luna and Perry’s for Peace at Perry’s Burgers

Oct. 20: “The Hunting Grounds” movie night at the Vashon Theater at 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 22: Guest Bartending Night at The Hardware Store Restaurant at 6 p.m.

Oct. 24: The Mostly True Trivia Night at the Sugar Shack at 7 p.m., Zumba at Vashon Dance Academy from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and class at Core Centric from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Oct. 25: Lit Lounge at Open Space at 4 p.m.

Oct. 26-31: Portions of proceeds from pizza orders at Saucy Sisters will go to DoVE.

Oct. 1-15: Ice cream social raffle at Zombiez

Ongoing throughout October:

• $1 from every margarita purchased at Casa Bonita will go to DoVE.

• All clothes donated to DoVE will be sold in partnership with Luna Bella’s.

• 10 percent of all proceeds from Spicy Green Mango clothing bought at Minglement will go to DoVE.

• Enter the Rock Island Pizza dinner raffle all month to win a free dinner for four drawn on Nov. 3.

• AJ’s Coffee and the Vashon Island Baking Company will also participate in a way yet to be determined.

For more information about how island businesses are participating throughout the month, see the calendar on DoVE’s website at vashondoveproject.org.