(NMCADSV) — October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month or DVAM, a time for the community to stand with survivors and reaffirm the importance of safety and healing in the CNMI. The Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence invites the public to join events that highlight awareness, education, and hope. This year’s theme, “It’s a Movement, Not a Moment” and the tagline #ImHereForSurvivors, recognizes the ongoing, collective effort toward a violence-free community.
The month begins with a powerful call to action: the DVAM Proclamation Signing Ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025, at 10 a.m. in the Royal Taga Ballroom, Saipan World Resort, Susupe. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be livestreamed in partnership with Marianas Press. During the ceremony, the Coalition will present the 2025 Bridge of Light Award or BOLA, honoring an individual who has shown leadership and compassion in the effort to end domestic and sexual violence in the CNMI. NMCADSV extends its gratitude to the Tan Siu Lin Foundation and IT&E for their generous sponsorships, which make possible the prizes awarded to this year’s BOLA recipient.
On Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., Santa Soledad Parish will host the DVAM Day of Prayer. All faith-based denominations are invited to use their worship services to address domestic violence and to lift prayers of healing, hope, and strength for survivors. The full list of participating denominations will be available on NMCADSV’s social media platforms.
Midway through the month, families are invited to gather at NMCADSV’s signature event, the Day of Unity. This family fun day will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the CPA Airport Field. There will be a lineup of cultural performances, children’s games, booths from partner agencies, and delicious food vendors. Designed as a space of joy, healing, and community, the event offers an opportunity for survivors and supporters to come together and share in a spirit of strength.
Step out in purple and join the Purple Wave, Walk, & Roll on National Purple Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025. The event also features the annual Men’s Walk Against Domestic Violence. Activities begin with registration at 4:30 p.m. at the Tanapag Youth Center, roadside waving at 5 p.m., and a walk through the village at 5:30 p.m. Refreshments will be available for purchase on site, with The Kuxsins selling drinks and treats for attendees. Participants can also enjoy poster-making, face painting, and free DVAM 2025 t-shirts while supplies last.
The conversation will continue throughout October with a DVAM radio series on KKMP 92.1 FM, airing every Wednesday at 8 a.m. Each week, guest panelists will lead discussions on domestic violence and explore ways the community can show up for survivors.
Events are also planned for the island of Rota in collaboration with local partner agencies. On Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, a Rota Community Outreach & Awareness Month event will take place at Guata Beach Highway beginning at 3:30 p.m. Activities will continue later in the week, with Bisita Luta Outreach on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, and San Francisco De Borja Outreach on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025. Both events will be held at the Songsong Chamorro Village.
The community can also take the movement online by joining the #31DaysOfDVAM Social Media Challenge. This campaign features a daily prompt or activity to help raise awareness and show support for survivors. From wearing purple to sharing uplifting messages, the challenge is a creative way for individuals, families, schools, and workplaces to get involved. Follow @EndViolenceNMI on Instagram to see how you can participate and add your voice to the movement.
“These events are more than moments on a calendar — they are reminders that our commitment to survivors must last far beyond October,” said Zarinae J. Sapong, NMCADSV program manager and 2025 DVAM Planning Committee chair. “Every act of support, every conversation, and every effort to show up strengthens this movement and reassures survivors that their voices and experiences matter, always.”
To learn more about upcoming events or how to get involved, visit @EndViolenceNMI on Facebook and Instagram, contact NMCADSV’s office at (670) 234-3878, or email info@endviolencenmi.org/.
If you or someone you know has experienced domestic or sexual violence, or is affected by these issues, help is available. Call 911 for immediate emergency support, or reach out to the 24/7 Karidat Victim Hotline at (670) 234-5100.
