October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Centre Safe will be hosting events and initiatives designed to raise awareness, educate the community and provide critical resources.
This year’s theme nationally, #Every1KnowsSome1, aims to shed light on how widespread domestic violence is in our communities. It suggests that everyone likely knows someone—a friend, family member, colleague or neighbor—who has experienced domestic violence, even if they aren’t aware of it.
For 50 years, the State College-based nonprofit Centre Safe has been working to provide help to those survivors and to advocate for prevention.
“As Centre Safe honors 50 years of service in Centre County, we want to always remember the purpose—to support survivors and end violence,” Jennifer Pencek, executive director of Centre Safe, said. “Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that touches countless lives. This month is about standing with survivors, elevating their voices and coming together as a community to create a safer, more supportive environment. We can work together to recognize the impact of domestic violence, raise awareness about available resources, and build a future without abuse.”
Light the Courthouse Purple
All month
The Centre County Courthouse will be lit purple, the signature color of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, to symbolize support for survivors and raise awareness of domestic violence.
Purple Lights Campaign
All month
Community members are encourage to shine the light on domestic violence by displaying purple lights at their workplace or residence in October. The county-wide campaign invites area residents, businesses, and organizations to shine purple lights on their front porches, front windows or other public displays the entire month to remember the victims and honor the survivors of domestic violence. You can also shine your light virtually by displaying purple lights on your social media.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation
Tuesday, October 7 at 10 a.m.
Willowbank Building, Bellefonte
The Centre County Board of Commissioners will proclaim October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Purple Thursday
Thursday, October 23
Centre Safe invites the community to wear purple in support of survivors of domestic violence. Wearing it is a simple, yet powerful way to show solidarity. Join the movement online by sharing photos using the hashtag #PurpleThursday and tagging @Centresafe.
Empty Place at the Table
All month
Centre Safe will display the Empty Place at the Table exhibit at all YMCA branches in Centre County, honoring local victims of domestic violence killed between 1998 and 2017. Each place setting represents a life lost, with details about the victim’s homicide. It serves as a reminder that even one life lost is too many.
The exhibit will be at the following YMCA branches:
• Moshannon Valley YMCA – Oct. 1-8
• Penns Valley YMCA – Oct. 8-15
• Bellefonte YMCA – Oct. 15-22
• State College YMCA – Oct. 22-31
Keep up to date, watch live-stream content and engage with Centre Safe this Domestic Violence Awareness Month by following @CentreSafe on Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and LinkedIn.
Centre Safe provides confidential and no-cost services to individuals in Centre County, including counseling, advocacy, legal support, outreach and education, emergency shelter and housing, and safe custody exchanges or supervised visitations through the Child Access Center. Its 24/7 hotline is toll-free at 877-234-5050.
For more information about Centre Safe and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, visit www.centresafe.org.
