Rally to speak out against domestic violence
The annual Stop the Violence rally, sponsored by Fayette County Domestic Violence Services, will be held Thursday at Uniontown Area High School. Jacquie Albert, executive director of the agency, said the rally will begin at 7 p.m. in the school auditorium, and people will tell stories of women murdered because of domestic violence.
“This is a call to action, it’s not entertainment. We need people to be sensitive to what they see happening around the year round,” Albert said.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness month.
Albert asked those who attend to bring a flashlight to simulate the candlelight typically used during the vigil.
She also noted that those who attend will be given items that have the shelter’s emergency number on them. Albert said the purpose of handing them out is so that women in abusive situations can have the number to the center handy on a keychain or pen, so that it’s inconspicuous, but readily available.
Also during the month, there will be a display at the cultural center at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, called “Empty Place At the Table.” On Oct. 16, at the Purple Tie Affair, a formal dinner and dance, will be held at the Summit Inn in Wharton Township.
The display remembers local residents who have died because of domestic violence.
Anyone who wants any more information about the vigil can call the shelter at 724-437-2530.
The emergency number, which answers 24 hours a day, is 724-439-9500.