Centre Safe Marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month With Events and Initiatives

Centre Safe will host events and initiatives designed to raise awareness, educate the community and provide critical resources throughout October in Centre County for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

This year’s theme for Centre Safe’s observation of the month is once again #Every1KnowsSome1, aiming 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.

“Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that touches countless lives,” Jennifer Pencek, executive director of Centre Safe, said. “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 6 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 15 

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 on social media 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. 22-29 

It will also be on display all month at the R-VOICE Center in Penn State’s Boucke Building.

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. 

For more than 50 years, the nonprofit, State College-based Centre Safe has provided help and empowered survivors of sexual violence, relationship violence and stalking, and worked toward the elimination of such violence.

The organization 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 its Child Access Center.

Centre Safe’s 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