October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The month was started in 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence to raise awareness, promote education efforts and support survivors around the world.

To close out the month, I thought it would be a great idea to support some organizations that are helping victims every day, and are doing their own work to ensure a comprehensive renewal of the VAWA. If you can, please consider donating to one of these amazing organizations this month as a personal contribution to Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

1. RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) the largest anti-sexual violence organization, RAINN created and currently runs the National Sexual Assault Hotline. They are extremely involved in the #MeToo movement and were at the frontlines helping survivors make their voices heard during the Kavanaugh hearings, In addition to operating the sexual assault hotline, RAINN operates programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors and ensure that abusers are brought to justice.

2. Battered Women's Justice Project: the national resource center on civil and criminal justice  responses to intimate partner violence, Battered Women's Justice does amazing work training professionals in law enforcement and the criminal justice system in proper response to intimate partner violence, otherwise known as IPV.

3. Futures Without Violence : Futures Without Violence played an integral role in passing the VAWA in 1994. Back in the 1980s they were lobbying across the country to protect survivors and change the laws to demand that the historic legislation that is the VAWA was passed. Now, the organization provides training to professionals at all levels -- from nurses to judges to coaches to improve responses of violence and abuse, as well as continue to lobby for laws that protect survivors.

If you know of an organization I didn't mention that is doing awesome work to protect survivors and #renewVAWA, share it below!