DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH 2026
Change the Story:
A New Chapter Starts Now
Throughout October, our campaign will focus on helping our community recognize that we all have a role in changing the story of domestic violence.
For survivors, this means violence does not get to determine how their story ends. For prevention, it means changing the story before violence begins through conversations about consent, boundaries, respect, communication, warning signs, and healthy relationships.
For our community, it means believing survivors, checking in, staying connected, challenging harmful attitudes, and helping create conditions where safety, healing, and healthy relationships can thrive.
Need Support?
Use the site's existing crisis hotline/contact information here rather than creating new wording.
2,886 Services. $2,886 Goal.
2,886 Reasons to Change the Story
This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, New Directions is inviting Knox County to help us Change the Story.
During FY2026, New Directions provided 2,886 free and confidential services to individuals and families in our community.
So, this October, we're setting a goal to raise $2,886, one dollar for every service provided.
Behind those 2,886 services are moments that matter: a call answered, a safe place to stay, an advocate listening, a connection to resources, or someone learning that they have options.
Now, together, we can help write what comes next.
Help us raise $2,886 by October 31.
Change the Story: A New Chapter Starts Now.
Chapter 1
Notice the Story
Empty Chair Project: There May Be More to Their Story
Sometimes there is more happening in someone's life than we can see.
Domestic violence does not always look the way we expect it to. A person may continue going to work, caring for their family, laughing with friends, posting on social media, or participating in activities while experiencing abuse behind closed doors. Other times, they may begin pulling away from people, places, or activities they once enjoyed.
Look for purple chairs throughout our community. Learn how to help create a community where people know they have someone they can safely turn to.
If Something Feels Different, Check In
“I haven't seen you in a while. How are you doing?”
“I've been thinking about you. Want to grab coffee?”
“You don't have to tell me anything, but I'm here if you ever want to talk.”
“Is there anything you need from me right now?”
And if someone does share that they are experiencing abuse, you don't have to have all the answers.
Listen. Believe them. Avoid judgment. Respect their choices. Ask what would be helpful. Remind them that support is available.
Try Saying:
“I believe you.”
“Thank you for trusting me.”
“What is happening to you isn't okay.”
“How can I support you?”
“You don't have to make any decisions right now.”
Notice. Check In. Stay Connected.
CHAPTER 2
Start the Conversation
Turning Pages Across Knox County: Coffee. Conversation. Connection.
Sometimes changing the story starts with simply pulling up a chair and having a conversation.
Throughout October, New Directions advocates will be hanging out at coffee shops across Knox County, creating informal opportunities for community members to stop by, grab a
FREE cup of coffee, and connect.
There is no presentation. No agenda. No expectation to share anything personal.
Come learn more about New Directions, hear about the impact our organization is making throughout Knox County, and discover the free and confidential services available to individuals and families in our community.
Have questions about domestic violence or healthy relationships? Want to know how to support someone you care about? Interested in getting involved with New Directions? Just want to meet the advocates serving your community?
Pull up a chair. We'd love to talk.
And if you are looking for support for yourself or someone you care about, an advocate will be there to listen, answer questions, share resources, and help you explore your options—without judgment or pressure.
You don't need a reason to stop by. You don't need to know what to ask. And you never have to share more than you're comfortable sharing.
Sometimes connection starts with a cup of coffee.
Pull Up a Chair. Start the Conversation. Change the Story.
Coffee with an Advocate
CHAPTER 3
Share the Story
Unsent Letters & Untold Stories: Your Story. Your Words. Your Choice.
Some stories are spoken aloud.
Some are written down.
Some are shared anonymously.
And some belong only to the person who lived them.
Unsent Letters & Untold Stories creates a space for survivors and community members to share reflections, letters, poetry, artwork, messages, or pieces of their story—on their own terms.
You might write about what you wish someone had noticed. What you wish someone had told you. Something another person did that helped. What you want others to understand about domestic violence. Or what you hope the next chapter holds.
You decide what you share.
You decide whether you identify yourself.
And you decide whether New Directions has permission to share your words with others.
There is no "right" way to tell your story—and you never have to share your experience for your voice to matter.
Your story. Your words. Your choice.
CHAPTER 4
Write Your Own Chapter
Your Story. Your Choices. Your Next Chapter.
What does taking care of yourself look like for you?
There isn't one answer.
Throughout October, New Directions will offer opportunities centered on connection, expression, movement, choice, boundaries, and well-being.
You might choose to breathe. Move. Create. Write. Learn. Connect. Or simply take a little time for yourself.
These experiences aren't about telling anyone how they should heal or suggesting that an activity can erase trauma. Healing isn't a checklist, and there is no expectation to become stronger, move faster, or be somewhere you aren't ready to be.
Instead, Write Your Own Chapter is an invitation to explore what feels meaningful to you, at your own pace and on your own terms.
Take what serves you. Leave what doesn't..
Your story belongs to you. So does what comes next.
CHAPTER 5
Change the Story: Gabby's Untold Story
Event Details
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 | 4:00–6:00 PM
Woodward Opera House | Mount Vernon
Behind the smiles, adventures, and seemingly loving relationship shared on social media, there was more to Gabby Petito's story.
Looking back, Gabby's family recognized warning signs they did not understand at the time. Now, they continue talking about those signs so other individuals, families, and communities can recognize what they may not have known to look for before.
Join New Directions for a powerful evening featuring Gabby Petito's mom and bonus mom, who have transformed unimaginable loss into advocacy and action.
Together, we will listen to Gabby's Untold Story, learn about warning signs, hear from a local community panel, and center the voice of a local survivor who will share how community support became part of her healing journey.
We will remember those whose lives have been taken by domestic violence, honor survivors near and far, and acknowledge those who may still be experiencing violence today.
This isn't only about looking back at a story that ended too soon.
It's about asking what we can learn from it—and what we can do differently moving forward.
Every story matters. Every voice can create change. And every one of us can help shape what comes next.
FINAL CHAPTER
What Will You Write Next?
The Next Chapter Is Ours to Write.
Throughout October, we've asked our community to notice, connect, listen, learn, and consider how each of us can be part of changing the story.
Now we're asking you:
What will you do to help write what comes next?
You don't have to be an advocate or have all the answers to make a difference. Small actions can help create a community where survivors feel supported, healthy relationships are modeled, and violence is less likely to be repeated from one generation to the next. Pasted markdown
Add Your Page to Our Story
Contact Us
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please try again later.
See How Knox County Is Changing the Story
As more people participate, more pages are added—creating a growing visual representation of the actions people across Knox County are committing to take.
I will help Change the Story by checking in on the people I care about.
I will help Change the Story by teaching my children that boundaries deserve respect.
I will help Change the Story by believing survivors.
I will help Change the Story by being someone my friends know they can talk to.
One person. One action. One page at a time.
Together, those pages become our community's next chapter.
