Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Every year, 10 million people in the United States experience domestic violence – that’s 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men. And while studies are growing, we know that domestic violence disproportionately impacts historically excluded communities, including people who identify as nonbinary.

That’s why each year October is acknowledged as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). DVS is deeply committed to ending domestic violence in Lancaster County through direct service, advocacy, and social change. We invite you, our supporters and community, to join us at DVAM events throughout the month to honor survivors of domestic violence, bring awareness to the impact of domestic violence in our community, and commit to working toward a community free from domestic violence.

DVAM 2025 Community Events

DVAM PRESS LAUNCH

October 2, 2025 | 9 to 9:30 a.m. (doors open at 8:30 a.m.)
Ware Center
42 North Prince Street, Lancaster

We’ll begin DVAM with a press conference about the work of DVS to encourage support and advocacy for survivors.

COMMUNITY DAY IN THE PARK

October 5, 2025 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Musser Park
135 North Lime Street, Lancaster

Join DVS for a free, fun, family-friendly resource fair. Enjoy music, games, and activities while connecting with community partners and discovering helpful resources.

WEAR PURPLE THURSDAY

October 16, 2025

Join us in wearing purple today as part of a nationwide effort to show support to survivors and raise awareness about domestic violence.

PURPOSE & POURS @ DECADES

October 23, 2025 | 5 to 9 p.m.
Decades
438 North Queen Street, Lancaster

Raise your glass for a great cause! We’re back at Decades for a fun, unique evening to raise awareness about domestic violence, with all tips directly benefiting DVS!

DANCING WITH THE LANCASTER STARS

November 6, 2025 | 6 to 11 p.m.
Tellus360
24 East King Street, Lancaster

Dancing with the Lancaster Stars is more than just a dance competition – it’s a celebration of our vibrant community! Watch your favorite local leaders partner up with professional dancers to compete in a dazzling display of talent and showmanship. All proceeds from this event go to support & raise awareness for DVS, making it a night of fun for a fantastic cause.

TICKETS

remember their names. remember their stories.

The Silent Witness Project is a poignant and powerful visual memorial dedicated to victims of domestic violence. Held in communities across the country since 1990, each memorial features red, life-sized silhouettes, each bearing a shield that shares the story of a community member who lost their life at the hands of an abusive partner.

The Silent Witness Project raises awareness about the devastating impact of domestic violence and honors the memories of those who can no longer speak for themselves. See below for the schedule for the Silent Witness Project, and please take care while visiting.

DVAM 2025 Silent Witness Events

OCTOBER 2-10, 2025

Lancaster County Government Center
150 North Queen Street, Lancaster

OCTOBER 10-16, 2025

Penn Medicine Suburban Outpatient Pavilion
2100 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster

OCTOBER 16-20, 2025

Franklin & Marshall College, Steinman College Center Atrium
600 College Avenue, Lancaster

OCTOBER 20-23, 2025

Ephrata Public Library
550 South Reading Road, Ephrata

OCTOBER 23-28, 2025

Penn Medicine Downtown Pavilion
540 North Duke Street, Lancaster

OCTOBER 28-31, 2025

Thaddeus Stevens College, Jones Building Cafeteria
750 East King Street, Lancaster

THANK YOU TO OUR 2025 SPONSORS

VISIONARY

Linda Gort & Lenny Walton

DREAMER

Margaret Brown

Tony & Sherry Chivinski
City Limits Foundation
Penn Medicine/Lancaster General Health

FRIEND

Angie’s Custom Cleaning
EHD
HDC MidAtlantic
Highmark Wholecare
Fran & Michael Kane
Medtrition
Nicole Vottero (CAP Board Member)