Each year in October, advocates, survivors, and supporters recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM).
This fall, Catholic Charities of Chemung and Schuyler Counties is joining the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) and the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV) in their national combined campaign for Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) and GiveForDV.
The goal of these two joint initiatives is to start a coordinated national conversation about domestic violence and how we can all contribute to changing the narrative on this overshadowed, but fundamental topic, building on that conversation to raise awareness, increase donations and volunteer efforts, and deepen community engagement by connecting our work nationwide.
More prevalent than most realize, 1 in 4 women (24.3%) and 1 in 7 men (13.8%) aged 18 and older in the US have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Anyone, regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status, can become a victim of domestic violence. This year’s campaign theme, #Every1KnowsSome1, strives to highlight how common domestic violence is and that it is more than physical violence.
Catholic Charities’ First Step Victim Services Program is asking local businesses, organizations, churches, and individuals to help “Shine the Light” on domestic violence by displaying purple ribbons, yard signs, or purple lights wherever they can during the month of October.
Ashley Kerrick, Schuyler County Director, explains the campaign: “Purple ribbons have become a way to show support for victims of domestic violence throughout our communities. It also shows our dedication to ending domestic violence and that it will not be tolerated in our community.”
“Shine the Light on Domestic Violence” yard signs are available and can be picked up from the Catholic Charities offices during regular business hours (Monday – Friday from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm). Please call (607) 734-9784 to arrange pick up.
Throughout October, Catholic Charities and NNEDV will be sharing content on their social media channels to help raise awareness and educate the public on the complex dynamics of domestic violence.
Two local events will be held that will be an opportunity to remember those lost to domestic violence and honor those who have survived domestic violence and those currently suffering in our community.
- In Schuyler County, join us on October 10 in LaFayette Park in Watkins Glen from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm.
- In Chemung County, the event will be held at Wisner Park in Elmira on October 17 from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm.
Attendees are encouraged to wear purple and visit the Catholic Charities’ table to pick up information on services.
Lastly, the Safe to Say Campaign, which started in 2020, is a partnership with local businesses and organizations to offer victims a safe place where it is “safe to say” what happened so that they can get the help they need. Training has been offered at multiple locations since 2020. The idea originated with the realization that many victims of domestic violence have no one to talk to and/or no one who knows what resources are available to help them. This campaign seeks to ensure places throughout the community can be ready with the right resources. If your business or location is interested in becoming a Safe to Say location, please sign up.
Free and confidential help is available 24/7 for individuals experiencing domestic violence. Those seeking help may contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at TheHotline.org or 1-(800) 799-SAFE (800) 799-7233) or our First Step Victim Services Hotline at 607-742-9629 (call or text).
For more information on October’s events, contact Katie Rhodes, Marketing and Development Director at Catholic Charities at 607-317-5577 or visit the event page or Facebook page.