Events spotlight domestic abuse awareness
The Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County is hosting a vigil to remember victims and survivors of domestic violence Wednesday.
With October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month, DAP will hold the vigil in front of the Media Courthouse at 201 W. Front St. from noon to 2 p.m. Speakers include Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer and state Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-165 of Springfield.
Afterwards, DAP will provide a resource fair.
According to Julie Avalos, executive director of the Domestic Abuse Project, 119 people died this year alone because of domestic violence.
She explained that DAP’s mission is to empower victims of domestic violence by providing free counseling, safe houses, outreach, a 24-hour, sevenday-a-week crisis hotline and legal services so that victims can feel empowered to leave their abusers.
“(Domestic Violence Awareness Month) is an opportunity for us to raise awareness of domestic violence and v isibilit y of our organization with the community ’s suppor t ,” Avalos said.
This year’s theme is “Paint the Town Purple” and DAP plans to demonstrate that with flags, events, ribbons and community support all throughout the month to raise awareness around domestic violence.
In conjunction, Delaware County Council is expected to proclaim October “Domestic Violence Awareness Month.”
DAP is asking the community for its support.
They are raising money to purchase new furniture for the safe house playroom and are hoping to raise
enough funds to buy wipeable pieces for the room.
Community members can also purchase T-shirts starting at $20 at https:// w w w.actionscreenprintingshop.com/dap. Fifty percent of each T-shir t sold goes directly to the Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County.
And, Avalos also asked the community to patronize and to donate to Nana’s Attic, a thrift store in the Lawrence Park Shopping Center at 1991 Sproul Road. All the proceeds from Nana’s Attic support DAP and the store also
“(Domestic Violence Awareness Month) is an opportunity for us to raise awareness of domestic violence and visibility of our organization with the community’s support.”
— Julie Avalos, executive director of the Domestic Abuse Project
serves as a resource for
DAP clients.
Please visit dapdc.org or call 610-565-6272 to learn more about how to help.
“During COVID-19, the community’s support is vital in keeping our friends and neighbors sa fe ,” Avalos said. “Please join us by participating in one of the many events taking place in October!”
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, please call the Domestic abuse Project of Delaware County’s 24/7 crisis hotline at 610-5654590 for support and resources.