It’s no secret that domestic violence against women is a huge problem in our society, affecting approximately one in every four women. Even more disturbing is the high rate that African American women experience intimate partner violence. A Black woman is almost three times more likely to die from the hands of a current or ex- partner than a white woman. Three times more likely.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Truth in Reality is taking a stand. TIR, a media advocacy organization created by activist Sil Lai Abrams, is committed to changing the violent portrayal of women of color in media, especially on reality television.  The org is set to  launch the “Redefining HERstory” campus social tour, a 6-month educational, public awareness, and digital advocacy program that aims to redefine negative stereotypes of women of color in media and reduce the cultural acceptance of gender-based violence in the Black community.

Redefining HERstory kicks off on Wednesday, October 22 at Grambling State University. For more information on how you can join the movement click here. Note, the campaign is open to everyone — not just college students. Here are the three action steps that the organization is asking the public to take:

1. Commit to not watching violent reality shows featuring cast members comprised predominately of women of color.

2. Co-sign the Truth in Reality petition and forward to your friends.

3. Communicate the message of the Redefining HERstory Movement by joining Truth in Reality on their weekly “Reality TV Check” twitter chats by following them on Twitter at @TruthInReality_ using the hashtag #RedefiningHERstory. These weekly interactive discussions on Twitter engage the larger community in conversations around how we can counter the effects of the media messages on violent reality television shows and take place every Monday night from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm ET/7:00 pm to 8:00 pm CT.

Ravelle Worthington is a writer living in New York City. Follow her on Twitter @ravmo.