Catholic Charities, The Salvation Army Safehouse, the City of Elmira Police Department’s Victim Services Program, the Schuyler County District Attorney’s Office, and The Net are partnering together to host a virtual training event via Zoom. The free training will be held on October 22 from 10 am – 11:30 am.
“Bail & Discovery Reforms” will be moderated by the Pace Women’s Justice Center. This training will feature a panel of local law enforcement, domestic violence survivors, and victim services professionals. Learn how these reforms have impacted survivors and the agencies that work with them. Visit Catholic Charities’ website (cs-cc.org) and click on the Events tab to register.
The Shine the Light Committee, comprised of victim service providers and concerned community members, is also challenging local businesses, organizations, churches, and individuals to help “Shine the Light” on domestic violence by displaying purple ribbons or using 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 also 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.
Lastly, the Safe to Say Campaign , which started in 2020, is a partnership with local businesses and organizations to offer a place where it’s safe for victims to go to say what has happened so that they can get help concerning relationships and domestic violence. Trainings were offered at multiple locations in 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. If something were to come up in conversation at a hair salon, for example, would the stylist know where to refer? This campaign seeks to ensure that they would and provides them 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.
For more information, contact Katie Rhodes, Communications Coordinator at Catholic Charities at 607.734.9784, ext. 2133 or visit the Catholic Charities’ website (cs-cc.org) or Facebook page.