Surviving Compton: Lessons on Domestic Violence Every year, for over ten years, I have done something volunteer wise about domestic violence. I've volunteered as a legal advocate, spoken out on radio shows, raised money, collected items for shelters, written think pieces...spoken directly to victims... This year, I was at a loss. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and I honestly did not know what else to do. For two years now, statistics have shown a decrease in domestic violence. DV stats are populated from a variety of sources including police reports, hospital reports, and self reporting through the use of DV shelters and services.