Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The prevalence of domestic violence is never lost on those who work every day to serve survivors. For others, it can be easy to dismiss domestic violence as a private matter and overlook its widespread prevalence. But chances are likely you know someone who is experiencing or has experienced violence by an intimate partner or family member, even if you aren’t aware of it happening. In fact, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic violence in their lifetimes.

That’s why each year October is acknowledged as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic Violence Services is committed to ending domestic abuse in Lancaster County through advocacy, direct services and social change. We need the continued support of you, our supporters and community, to achieve this mission.

Last year, Domestic Violence Services (DVS), a program of Community Action Partnership, served 1,719 local victims of domestic violence, including 86 children. DVS provided 5,796 hours of services to adults through our: 24-hour hotline, individual and group counseling, case management services at our emergency safe house and bridge house, and civil legal services at our legal center. The 86 children engaged in our services received 312 hours of trauma informed support in individual and group settings.

We invite you, our community and allied professional partners, to join us this year as we Connect the Dots to raise awareness about domestic abuse, have conversations about the needs of domestic abuse victims/survivors and our role as a community in supporting them, and building relationships to create systemic changes in Lancaster County.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month Events 

DVS – Domestic Violence Services – DVAM 2022 Calendar

Silent Witness National Initiative

Remember My Story. Remember My Name.

In 1990, the Silent Witness Initiative began promoting and education to support an end to domestic violence through community-based exhibits.  It started with a small group of volunteers in one state and grew into an international presence, with projects in all 50 states and 23 countries. Silent Witness International is the leading voice that honors the lives of domestic violence homicide victims through family support, community connections, and advocacy for change.

DVS, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health and Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office have partnered together for more than 20 years to tell the stories of those who lived in Lancaster County and lost their lives as a result of domestic abuse. “Hear” their stories as presented by these life size figurines.

DVS – Domestic Violence Services – Silent Witness Project Calender

For additional questions regarding the schedule, please contact Whitney Barbusca at 717-544-4308

Domestic Violence Awareness Month Signs 

Help spread the word about domestic abuse and DVS services. Let’s bring the conversation out of the shadows of shame!

Domestic Violence Services (DVS) of Lancaster County is offering Yard/Window signs to display your support for victims and survivors of abuse. To claim your sign, please fill out the form below and someone from our team will contact you for further details to pick up your sign.

Although these signs are provided to you at no cost, please consider a donation (suggested $25) to support our community outreach efforts.

At this time, this campaign is reserved to Lancaster County residents.

For any questions, please contact marketing@caplanc.org.

How Can I Help?

Do you want to help domestic violence survivors, but you aren’t sure what you can do? We’re here to help.

We hope you will join us in standing up for survivors in October and always. Here’s how you can get involved:

• Sign up to be an advocate. 
• Start a DVAM Facebook Fundraiser.
• Set up a monthly donation. 
• Share your story. 
• Wear purple on October 20. Show us your purple using #DVAM, #DVSLanc

Follow us on social media throughout October to stay up to date.

Sponsorships

Sponsorships are available and the key to our success! We will seek business, organizational and individual sponsorships for our year-long series of events – as a package. Sponsors will receive even more recognition than in the past, as they will be featured at the various events throughout the year.  Learn more about being a DVS: Trailblazer, Visionary, Dreamer and Friend:

CLICK HERE to learn more

For more information, please contact:

Kristy Aurand • Phone: 717-299-7388, ext. 3032 • Email: kaurand@caplanc.org

Visionary

Sharon Hargrave

Dreamer

Peg Brown

Lenny Walton & Linda Gort

Friend

Angie’s Custom Cleaning LLC

Tony & Sherry Chivinski

EHD

Fulton Bank

The GIANT Company

HDC

Highmark/Penn State Health

Inspire Her Within by Rebeka Fillmore

McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC.

Michael & Fran Kane

Medtrition, Inc.

Schwanger Brothers & Co.

Tom & Barbra Smithgall

TW Ponessa & Associates

UPMC Central PA and UPMC Health Plan

About Domestic Violence Services

DVS is a catalyst to eliminate domestic violence in Lancaster County through direct service, advocacy, and social change. DVS offers 24/7 hotline and text line, emergency shelter, counseling, children’s programming, legal advocacy and representation, and transitional housing. All services are free of charge and strictly confidential. DVS hosts professional trainings and community education and prevention sessions for schools, businesses and community and faith-based organizations. For more information, visit caplanc.org/DVS.

About Community Action Partnership

The Community Action Partnership is Lancaster County’s largest anti-poverty organization, helping low income families move toward self-sufficiency. CAP’s service profile interrupts inter-generational poverty with programs that support families and individuals at every age and place in life, in the areas of education and child development, health and nutrition, household stability and safety and empowerment. For more information, visit www.caplanc.org.