October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), a time nationally dedicated to raising public awareness about domestic violence and educating communities on how to prevent it. In America, 1 in 4 females and 1 in 10 males, roughly 10 million individuals, experience some form of domestic violence annually (National Network to End Domestic Violence). Anyone, regardless of gender, race, sexual identity or orientation, or socio-economic status, can experience domestic violence.

This year Family Services Incorporated is joining the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV) and the National Network to End Domestic Violence's (NNEDV) campaign: #Every1KnowsSome1. This campaign highlights how common domestic violence is and that it is more than just physical violence.

Family Services is focusing on the use of technology in domestic violence situations. With the almost instantaneous advancement of technology, new technology and outdated laws can create loopholes for abuse. It is important to understand potential abuse tactics utilizing technology and illustrate ways to prevent technology from being used as a tool of abuse are the first steps in shining a brighter light on this type of abusive behavior.

Family Services' Victim Services Program is promoting this effort in countless ways.

Women Aware Support Group – Victim Services is excited to be bringing back our support group for women who have experienced or are experiencing domestic abuse in their intimate relationships. Support group meetings are held weekly for 1.5 hours. Women Aware is an open support group, meaning new members can join at any time. The group is facilitated by trained staff and volunteers of the Victim Services Program. For meeting details (day, time, and location) please call Family Services Incorporated at (814) 944-3583.

Webinar Wednesdays (Oct. 20 and 27) – Every Wednesday, Victim Services' Education Specialist hosts short lunchtime webinars on various topics. During October, all Webinar Wednesdays will focus on aspects of domestic abuse. All webinars are free to register and participants will receive certificates of completion. Registration can be found on each of the Webinar Wednesday events on the FSI Victim Services Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/FSIVictimServices.

Purple Thursday (Oct. 21) – Support survivors and spread awareness by wearing purple to work, school, or just out-and-about. Show Victim Services your purple by taking a photo and sharing it on the FSI Victim Services Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FSIVictimServices or emailing us your picture at [email protected].

Lunch and Learn on Technology and Abuse (Oct. 29) – Family Services Incorporated is hosting a free Lunch and Learn at the American Legion Social Hall in Hollidaysburg. A livestream option will also be available upon registration. This year's Lunch and Learn will be on Technology and Abuse: New Technology – Old Laws. Victim Services is excited to have Blair County District Attorney, Peter Weeks, and First Assistant District Attorney, Nichole Smith, among other speakers. Join Family Services from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., whether in-person or virtually, for this invaluable information and lunch. Attendance certificates will be provided.