Awareness Month
Every awareness month serves as a beacon of hope, shedding light on the struggles individuals face due to various illnesses and issues. Each one is a heartfelt reminder of our collective responsibility to understand, empathize, and support those affected, thus strengthening the bonds of our shared humanity.
January is Stalking Awareness Month
Each January, communities across the country recognize Stalking Awareness Month to increase understanding of stalking, support those impacted, and promote prevention. Stalking is a serious crime that affects millions of people each year and often causes victims to experience fear, anxiety, and significant disruptions to their daily lives.
Stalking is a pattern of repeated, unwanted attention, contact, or behavior directed at a specific person that causes them to feel afraid or concerned for their safety. It can include persistent phone calls or messages, unwanted gifts, following or monitoring someone, online harassment, GPS tracking, or other behaviors intended to intimidate or control. Stalking Awareness Month provides an opportunity to educate our community about recognizing the warning signs, supporting victims, and understanding the connection between stalking and other forms of interpersonal violence, including domestic violence and sexual assault.
Throughout January, Coastal Center for Hope & Healing encourages our community to learn more about stalking, take concerns seriously, support those who may be experiencing stalking behaviors, and help raise awareness about available resources and services.
Together, we can foster a community that recognizes stalking, believes and supports victims, and works to ensure everyone can live free from fear, intimidation, and abuse.
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
Each February, communities across the nation recognize Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) to raise awareness about the prevalence of unhealthy and abusive relationships among young people and to promote healthy relationship skills. Dating violence can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or background, and early prevention is key to breaking the cycle of abuse.
Teen dating violence can include emotional, verbal, physical, sexual, digital, and financial abuse, as well as controlling behaviors that undermine a young person's safety and well-being. Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month provides an opportunity to educate youth, parents, caregivers, educators, and community members about the warning signs of abuse, the importance of consent and respect, and how to build healthy, supportive relationships.
Throughout February, Coastal Center for Hope & Healing encourages our community to empower young people by participating in awareness activities, fostering open conversations about healthy relationships, and supporting prevention education in our schools and community.
Together, we can help ensure that every young person has the knowledge, confidence, and support they need to build healthy relationships and live free from abuse.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Each April, communities across the country recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) as a time to raise awareness, support survivors, and promote prevention. Sexual violence can affect people of every age, gender, race, and background, and its impact extends beyond individuals to families and entire communities.
Sexual assault is never the survivor's fault. Sexual Assault Awareness Month is an opportunity to educate our community about consent, healthy relationships, bystander intervention, and the importance of believing and supporting survivors. By increasing awareness and fostering open conversations, we can help reduce stigma and create safer communities for everyone.
Throughout April, Coastal Center for Hope & Healing encourages our community to stand with survivors by participating in awareness events, learning how to prevent sexual violence, and advocating for a future where every person can live free from abuse and violence.
Together, we can create a culture of respect, accountability, and hope while ensuring that survivors have access to the support, resources, and healing they deserve.
September is Suicide Prevention Month
Each September, communities across the nation recognize Suicide Prevention Month to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage open conversations about mental health and suicide prevention. Suicide affects individuals, families, and communities across all backgrounds, and together, we can help create a culture of hope, connection, and support.
Suicide Prevention Month is an opportunity to learn the warning signs of suicide, understand risk and protective factors, and recognize the importance of reaching out to those who may be struggling. By promoting mental wellness, encouraging help-seeking behaviors, and fostering compassionate conversations, we can help ensure that no one feels they have to face life's challenges alone.
Throughout September, Coastal Center for Hope & Healing encourages our community to prioritize mental health, support those in need, and learn about the resources available for individuals experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis.
Together, we can reduce stigma, strengthen connections, and remind those who are struggling that help is available and hope is possible.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide, help is available. Contact or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Every October, communities across the nation recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) as a time to honor survivors, remember those whose lives have been lost to domestic violence, and raise awareness about an issue that affects millions of individuals and families each year.
Domestic violence is more than physical abuse, it can include emotional, psychological, sexual, financial, and technological abuse used to gain power and control over another person. Domestic Violence Awareness Month serves as an opportunity to educate our community, challenge harmful misconceptions, and inspire action to prevent abuse before it begins.
Throughout October, Coastal Center for Hope & Healing invites our community to stand with survivors by participating in awareness events, learning about healthy relationships, supporting prevention efforts, and helping ensure that everyone has access to safety, hope, and healing.
Together, we can break the cycle of violence, support survivors, and create a community where every person can live free from abuse.