Domestic Violence Services holds launch event for Domestic Violence Awareness Month (video, photos)

Christine Gilfillan, center, director of Domestic Violence Services, poses with team members during a kickoff event for Domestic Violence Awareness Month at the Ware Center on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023. (Photo: Brian Nguyen)

Domestic Violence Services held a launch event on Tuesday at The Ware Center for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Domestic violence impacts millions of people each year, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. In 2022, Domestic Violence Services, a program of Community Action Partnership, served more than 1,800 local victims of domestic violence.

"We find that the more we can get there and talk about what the resources are, and that help is available we can help overcome some of the stigma or shame people feel," Domestic Violence Services Director, Christine Gilfillan, said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men have experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a reminder of the need to address this issue and support survivors. This year's Domestic Violence Awareness Month theme, "Join the Movement," calls on individuals, communities, and organizations to come together to end domestic violence.

During the month of October, events will take place across the country to raise awareness about domestic violence.

Public Events

Sunday, Oct. 1

4^th Annual Bakers Uprising Bake Sale & Community Health Fair, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (or until sell-out), Musser Park, 135 N. Lime St.
Indulge your sweet tooth for a good cause! Join us for a delectable bake sale and a community health fair, promoting overall well-being alongside the fight against domestic violence.

Wednesday, Oct. 4

Lancaster County Commissioners DVAM Proclamation, 9:15 a.m., Lancaster County Government Center, 150 N. Queen St.

Tuesday, Oct. 10

Lancaster City Council DVAM Proclamation, 6 p.m., Lancaster City Hall, 120 N. Duke St.

Thursday, Oct. 19

Day of Unity – Wear Purple Day
Wear purple to show your support for domestic violence awareness. Share photos on social media and tag @cap_lanc on Instagram; and @DVSLanc on Facebook and Twitter

Friday, Oct. 20

Sidewalk Chalk with the Lancaster City Police Department, 9 a.m., Lancaster City Police Bureau, 39 W. Chestnut St.
A creative and interactive event, working alongside the Lancaster City Police Department to spread awareness through sidewalk chalk art.

Silent Witness Tour

9/26 to 10/10 - Lancaster County Government Center, 150 N. Queen St.
10/10 to 10/12 - Penn Medicine Suburban Outpatient Pavilion, 2100 Harrisburg Pike
10/12 to 10/16 - F& M College, Steinman College Center Atrium, 600 College Ave.
10/16 to 10/20 - Elizabethtown College, Bowers Center, 1 Alpha Drive, Elizabethtown
10/23 to 10/26 - Thaddeus Stevens College, Jones Building Cafeteria, 750 E. King St.
10/26 to 10/30 - Ephrata Public Library, 550 S. Reading Rd., Ephrata
10/30 to 11/3 - Millersville University, Student Memorial Center, 1 S. George St., Millersville