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Unmasking Domestic and Intimate Partner Abuse in October
LEHIGH VALLEY, PA (10/1/21) — Each year, in October, advocates, survivors, and supporters recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). This national campaign held every October, is meant to raise awareness about domestic and intimate partner abuse in our communities. Domestic and intimate partner abuse thrives in silence. In order to be able to support and help survivors and to prevent domestic and intimate partner abuse in the future, we are asking that the Lehigh Valley start to talk openly about it. It starts by having an informed conversation about domestic and intimate partner abuse which requires understanding that it’s much more than physical abuse and why ‘just leaving’ isn’t so simple for survivors.
“Friends and family don’t understand why we stay and how powerless you are in that relationship. I’ve been there,” shared a survivor and former Turning Point of Lehigh Valley client who received their counseling services. Turning Point of Lehigh Valley has been the only domestic and intimate partner abuse agency in Lehigh and Northampton Counties since 1978. The mission of Turning Point of Lehigh Valley is to eliminate domestic and intimate partner abuse in the Lehigh Valley through empowerment, education, and engagement.
Turning Point of Lehigh Valley’s capstone event for Domestic Violence Awareness Month is their Annual Vigil where they remember lives lost, honor survivors and give hope for the future.
The vigil will be in person on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at The Civic Theatre of Allentown (527 N. 19th Street, Allentown, PA 18104). Doors open at 6:00pm and the vigil will start promptly at 6:30pm. This event is at no cost to the general public and masks required. The theme of their vigil, which is part of their yearlong theme of, “Unmasking Domestic and Intimate Partner Abuse,” is intended to address the myths and stereotypes surrounding domestic and intimate partner abuse.
Join them for this year’s vigil for an hour filled program featuring powerful messages from two resilient keynote speakers Nnemdia Clark and Beth Couvertier, a special musical performance by local singer-song writer, Kendal Conrad, poetry from a representative from Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center, a community message from the YWCA Allentown and YWCA Bethlehem, a candlelight vigil with a moment of silence to remember lives lost to acts of domestic and intimate partner abuse.
Turning Point is grateful for their collaboration with Diane Donaher and staff from the Civic Theatre and with Ocean Spray Cranberries Inc. for making this event possible as the presenting sponsor. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Turning Point is also excited to partner with The Southside Arts District of Bethlehem and The West End Alliance of Allentown in promoting their vigil.
As a society we all have a role in changing the narrative, support those who are experiencing it, and ultimately prevent it entirely. How can you help? Show your support by following Turning Point of Lehigh Valley on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn and share their posts throughout the month of October. Participate and stay engaged in their week of action from October 18-24, 2021. They will partner with advocates and allies near and far including the YWCA’s Annual Week Without Violence campaign #WWV21 and with the #Every1KnowsSome1 campaign from the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) in which is also supported by our state coalition the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV).
If you are or know someone who is experiencing domestic or intimate partner abuse in
the Lehigh Valley, call Turning Point’s 24/7 helpline at 610-437-3369. You can also find more information on their website at www.turningpointlv.org
Information provided to TVL by:
Andrea Search
Director of Advancement
Turning Point of Lehigh Valley
https://www.turningpointlv.org/
