Advocates, survivors and supporters recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This fall, Turning Point of Lehigh Valley is joining the National Network to End Domestic Violence in their national and statewide combined campaign for DVAM and GiveForDV that was created by the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

The goal of these two joint initiatives is to start a coordinated national conversation about domestic violence and how we can all contribute to changing the narrative on this overshadowed, but fundamental topic, then build on that conversation to raise awareness, increase donations and volunteer efforts, and deepen community engagement by connecting our work nationwide.

More prevalent than most realize, one in four women and one in seven men will experience severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetimes. Anyone, regardless of gender, race, sexual identity or orientation, or socio-economic status, can become a victim of domestic violence. This year’s campaign theme, #Every1KnowsSome1, strives to highlight how common domestic violence is and that it is more than physical violence. As a society, we all have a role in changing the narrative about what domestic violence is, to whom it happens, and how we can support those who are experiencing it, and, ultimately, prevent it entirely.

Everyone knows someone who is impacted by domestic violence, and everyone has a part to play in supporting their work to end domestic violence. one isn’t just a number, it’s SOMEONE – a family member, a neighbor, a coworker, a friend. In fiscal year 2021-22, Turning Point reached over 3,500 people (adults, children, and teens) in Lehigh and Northampton counties who experienced or witnessed domestic and intimate partner abuse through their trauma-informed, inclusive, and confidential programs and services.

Turning Point of Lehigh Valley’s annual event for Domestic Violence Awareness Month is their Candlelight Vigil where they remember lives lost, honor survivors and give hope for the future. The vigil will be in person tpday, at the Charles Chrin Community Center of Palmer Township, located at 4100 Green Pond Road, Palmer. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the vigil will start promptly at 6:30 p.m. Admission is at no cost to the general public. The theme of the vigil this year is Every1KnowsSome1 and highlights the fact that domestic violence can happen to anyone and is more prevalent than people realize.

Throughout October and November, Turning Point of Lehigh Valley, NNEDV, and PCADV will be sharing content on their social media channels to help raise awareness and educate the public on the complex dynamics of domestic violence. A Week of Action is planned for Oct. 17-23, designed to engage advocates, partners and the public in starting a national conversation. There will also be two official GiveForDV Giving Days – one during the DVAM Week of Action on Oct. 19, and one on GivingTuesday on Nove. 29. Supporters can get involved and learn about more ways to help during Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the Lehigh Valley on their website - www.turningpointlv.org/dvam/.

Free and confidential help is available 24/7 for individuals experiencing domestic violence. In Lehigh and Northampton Counties, call Turning Point of Lehigh Valley’s 24/7 Helpline at 610-437-3369 or visit them online at www.turningpointlv.org. If you are seeking help and want to know who the local domestic violence agency is in your county, you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at www.TheHotline.org or 1.800.799.SAFE (7233).

Contributed article