Centre Safe to Host Domestic Violence Awareness Month Events

Centre Safe, Centre County’s resource center that provides empowerment and assistance to survivors of sexual or domestic assault, is partnering with the Penn State Gender Equity Center to host events throughout October to honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

“Domestic violence, much like sexual violence and stalking, are epidemics in our society,” Jennifer Pencek, executive director of Centre Safe, said in a statement. “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.”  

Throughout the month, those wishing to partake and show their support can participate in any of the following events.

Purple Light Campaign

Throughout the month of October, Centre Safe is asking that those wanting to participate show support for victims and survivors of domestic violence by displaying purple lights outside of homes, businesses or organizations. Purple is the symbolic color for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Film Screening of “Alice, Darling”

The HUB-Robeson Center’s Flex Theater will show a screening of the film “Alice, Darling” at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5.

The film highlights the difficulties of exiting an abusive relationship but spotlights the power of a support network.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation

The Centre County Board of Commissioners will proclaim support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month during its meeting at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 10, at the Willowbank Building in Bellefonte.

The Centre County Courthouse will be lit purple throughout the month as well.

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

A magic show with domestic violence prevention advocate Jon Dorenbos will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 18, in Heritage Hall at the HUB.

Throughout the show, Dorenbos aims to show attendees how to rise through adversity while emphasizing the importance of choice.

Purple Thursday

Community members can support the mission of Centre Safe and uplift Domestic Violence Awareness Month by sporting purple on Thursday, Oct. 19.

Empty Place At The Table

The Empty Place At The Table exhibit will take place throughout the month at various locations. The exhibit pays tribute to those in the community who were killed as a result of domestic violence from 1998 to 2023. The list of locations and dates is as follows:

• Oct. 1 to 31: St. Mark Lutheran Church Snydertown
• Oct. 1 to 15: Grace Lutheran Church State College
• Oct. 3 to 31: Penn State Gender Equity Center
• Oct. 2 to 8: Moshannon Valley YMCA
• Oct. 9 to 15: State College YMCA
• Oct. 16 to 22: Penns Valley YMCA
• Oct. 23 to 30: Bellefonte YMCA