#Every1KnowsSome1

Centre Safe Honoring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month 

With October serving as national Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), Centre Safe and partners like Penn State’s Gender Equity Center are joining forces to spread education and prevention efforts across the region and remind the community that #Every1KnowsSome1 impacted by domestic violence. 

Events include: 

Turn the Courthouse Purple  

All month 

The Bellefonte courthouse will be lit purple in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 

 

Purple Lights Campaign  

All month 

Support victims/survivors of domestic violence by displaying purple lights during October. 

 

Empty Place at the Table 

All month 

Empty Place at the Table honors the lives lost to domestic violence in Centre County from 1998 – 2023. Visit a display to learn parts of victims’ stories and honor their lives taken too soon.  

St. Mark Lutheran Church Snydertown – All month  

Grace Lutheran Church, State College – Oct. 1 – 15  

Penn State Gender Equity Center – Oct. 3 – 31  

Moshannon Valley YMCA – Oct. 2 – 8  

State College YMCA – Oct. 9 – 15  

Penns Valley YMCA – Oct. 16 – 22  

Bellefonte YMCA – Oct. 23 – 30 

 

Screening of Alice, Darling

Oct. 5, 5-7 p.m.  

Flex Theater on Penn State Campus  

This film offers a haunting look at how difficult it can be to leave an abusive relationship – and the value of a solid support network. 

 

The Clothesline Project 

Oct. 9 – 27 

Various locations at Penn State  

The Clothesline Project is a movement giving voice to those who have been silenced, sending the message help is available and there is a path to healing. 

 

Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation. 

Oct. 10, 10 a.m. 

Commissioners Meeting, Willowbank Building, 420 Holmes St., Bellefonte  

 

The Empowerment of Magic: Featuring Keynote Speaker Jon Dorenbos with Elements of Magic

 Oct. 18, 6:30 p.m. 

Heritage Hall, Penn State  

When Jon Dorenbos is on stage, he emphasizes the importance of choice and shares his childhood tragedy. When he was 12, his father murdered his mother. Jon chose to rise through adversity and accomplish goals. 

 

Purple Thursday Campaign  

Oct. 19 

Tabling in the HUB-Robeson Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wear purple to support those who have experienced domestic violence and abuse and stand in solidarity with victims and survivors.  

 

“Domestic violence, much like sexual violence and stalking, are epidemics in our society,” said Jennifer Pencek, executive director of Centre Safe. “In 2022 alone, Centre Safe supported more than 900 clients navigating domestic violence. It is on all of us to decide how we plan to support survivors, honor those lost to domestic violence, and work together to eliminate this pervasive form of abuse. I know this crime can seem so overwhelming and big, but if we choose each day to spread awareness, stand up for others, and acknowledge the normalization of this behavior, we absolutely can and will make a difference.”  

Centre Safe provides free and confidential services for anyone in Centre County, including counseling, advocacy, legal support, outreach and education, shelter, transitional housing, and safe custody exchanges/supervised visitations via its Child Access Center. Centre Safe’s 24/7 hotline is toll-free at 877-234-5050. Learn more at www.centresafe.org. 

For more information about Centre Safe and DVAM events, contact Jennifer Pencek at 814-238-7066, or jpencek@centresafe.org.