October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), and to recognize and support those impacted by domestic violence, our agency will be providing educational resources and hosting several different events for students and community members across Tompkins County. Below is a list of different ways you can engage in DVAM with us!
Ithaca College Runs Purple 5K – October 10
Ithaca College is back with their annual 5k to support those impacted by domestic violence. The 5k will take place on October 10, 2026, beginning at 9:00am. The starting location for the 5k will be at the Kostrinsky Field (the softball field by Terrace 13 parking lot) at Ithaca College. The registration link can be found here.
There is no registration fee for this event; however, a suggested donation of $20.00 is listed on the registration form.
Go the Extra Mile (…or Km)
This year, money raised through the event will go towards sustaining our support group program. We offer a range of free groups for survivors of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. For many survivors, cultivating community through discussing shared experiences can reduce isolation and promote healing.
Our ability to offer support groups would not be possible without trained facilitators, educational materials, supplies for activities, and refreshments. Advocacy Center support groups offer a safe, confidential environment where participants are reminded that they are not alone and the sharing of their experiences is met with compassion and understanding, guiding the way to healthy relationships.
We encourage people to pledge a donation amount that represents important numbers tied to our group support services.
See below for more information to decide what your donation can represent:
Choose Your Pledge:
- $20 covers the cost of childcare for one session, allowing the participant to attend the support group. The Advocacy Center works hard to eliminate the many barriers group participants face, including the cost of childcare.
- $49 represents the 49 client participants, across 5 different support groups, we saw in 2025. Advocacy Center support groups range in format from psychoeducational learning to discussion-based experiences, covering topics such as intimate partner violence, parenting after abuse, child sexual abuse, and more. Your donation of $49 supports programming for clients looking to cultivate healing through community.
- $80 provides sustenance for participants attending 4 weeks of one of our groups. Food and beverages are incredibly appreciated by clients attending our support groups. Groups are typically held around lunch or dinner time, and providing meals can be essential for participation. Many clients also enjoy bringing food home to their children and families.
- ‘Go the extra mile’ and donate $100 to signify a world where 100% of people are safe from interpersonal violence. With your help, we can continue the work in creating a community where no one experiences any form of domestic or sexual violence.
Tabling at Ithaca Farmer’s Market – October 4
Our agency will have a booth at the Ithaca Farmer’s Market – Stop by and learn more about our agency and the resources available to our local community.
Purple Thursday – October 15
Purple Thursday is a day that anyone can participate in, and it is as easy as the name suggests! Wear purple on October 15 to support those who have been affected by domestic violence. While the act is simple in nature, our collective display of support can show survivors that they are not alone.