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, one in four women and one in seven men will experience domestic violence in their lifetimes. 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, in its 25th year of providing services, 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. A Week of Action is planned for October 17-23, 2022, designed to engage advocates, partners, and the public in starting a national conversation.
There will also be an official GiveForDV Giving Day on October 19. Supporters can get involved by giving through the secure link on Catholic Charities’ social media pages.
Two local events will be held that will be an opportunity to remember those lost to domestic violence and educate ourselves on the reality in our community. Luminaries will be lit to honor those impacted by domestic violence.
- In Schuyler County, join us on October 20 at SheQuaGa Falls in Montour Falls from 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
- In Chemung County, the event will be held at Wisner Park in Elmira on October 27 from 7:00 pm – 8:00 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 under the Events tab at cs-cc.org.
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, Communications Coordinator at Catholic Charities at 607-317-5577 or visit the Catholic Charities’ website (cs-cc.org) or Facebook page.