Seeking peace: Domestic Violence Awareness Month kicks off
Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern Pennsylvania kicked off Domestic Violence Awareness Month on Sept. 23 with its annual Peace from Domestic Violence Walk in Washington. (Photos courtesy of Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern Pennsylvania
Purple yard signs bearing a domestic violence hotline telephone number are cropping up in the area in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October. (Photo courtesy of Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern Pennsylvania)
Courtesy of Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern Pennsylvania
Courtesy of Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern Pennsylvania
Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern Pennsylvania held its eighth annual Peace from DV Walk in Washington on Sept. 23 for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, held in October.
As October kicks off, so does Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Purple signs are appearing at local businesses and in residents’ yards with a phone number that people can call if they are a victim or know someone who is.
Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern Pennsylvania is joining the National Network to End Domestic Violence and the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence in their national campaign, “Every1 Knows Some1.”
“That’s been the theme for the past three years, but it’s true. Everyone knows someone who’s been impacted by domestic violence; we all do know someone,” said Alexandra Brooks, Senior Director of Operations for DVSSP. “We need to keep talking about it and its significance, because it impacts our community and the victims and loved ones so deeply.”
In 2022, 101 Pennsylvanians died from domestic violence, including two in Fayette County and one in Washington County, according to the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Domestic violence affects an estimated 10 million people in the U.S. every year; 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, Brooks said.
In Washington, Greene and Fayette counties, 1,352 protection from abuse orders were filed during the 2022-23 fiscal year, and 2,110 individuals sought services for the first time from DVSSP.
“Sometimes when I see those statistics, it’s jarring. But I think it’s because of the work that we do at DVSSP and the efforts of other organizations and individuals that let people know there is help available out there,” said Brooks. “Ten years ago when I started here, domestic violence was a taboo subject and people were ashamed and embarrassed to talk about it, even though it was no fault of their own. But I think we’re making progress in reducing the stigma about it, and that’s important in making it easier for people to seek help.”
This year’s campaign launched with DVSSP’s eighth annual Peace from DV Walk, held Sept. 23 at Church of the Covenant in Washington.
DVSSP uses all proceeds from the walk to continue its mission of increasing awareness and empowering victims of domestic violence by providing support services to people in Washington, Greene and Fayette counties.
DVSSP provides information and resources on its website, peacefromdv.org, with ideas on how to get engaged in prevention efforts and show support for survivors.
Among the events scheduled during the month is the 17th annual Peace Begins at Home Dinner on Oct. 18 at the Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh in Southpointe. The dinner will feature live music, raffles, and more, and all proceeds will be used to work to prevent domestic violence from happening in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Oct. 19 is Purple Thursday, when schools and businesses are encouraged to coordinate an event. Groups can honor survivors of domestic violence by wearing purple shirts, ties, scarves, shoes, socks, masks, nail polish, for example, and then snap a group photo and share online using the hashtags #DVSSP and #PurpleThursday and tag DVSSP at @peacefromdv.
DVSSP services include providing shelter, clothing, support groups, and individual counseling.
Brooks said everyone can play a role in eliminating domestic violence.
“I always tell people, you can make a difference, even if you don’t feel like you’re making a difference. Even the yard signs – you don’t know who on your block sees it and thinks, ‘I do have someone in my community who cares about my cause, I’m not alone,’ and might reach out for help,” said Brooks. “No action is too small, and you can do something to get us to a safer world.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, visit the DVSSP website or call the 24/7 hotline at 800-791-4000.