The Hill News

The chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee wore a purple ribbon on Monday.

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) tweeted a picture recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month shortly after President Obama issued a proclamation calling attention to domestic violence in the month of October. The purple ribbon has become a symbol in fight against abuse.

Wasserman Schultz promoted the hashtag #DVAM for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

“By engaging men and women, mothers and fathers, and schools and universities in the fight, we can teach our children about healthy relationships,” Obama said in the statement released by the White House. “We are asking everyone to play an active role in preventing and ending domestic violence, by stepping up to stop violence when they see it! .”

The White House also touted the Affordable Care Act, signed into law in spring 2010, as additional protection for those affected by domestic violence. The act ensures that heath insurance providers can no longer classify domestic violence as a pre-existing condition and supports preventative counseling services, according to the White House.

An average of three women die from domestic violence each year, according to the announcement. One in thirteen men and one in four women will be exposed to domestic violence at some point in their lifetime.