ASHLAND — As the middle of September creeps up, Ashland’s Safe Haven Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Center is preparing for the month of October, otherwise known as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month takes place in communities across the nation, according to Laura Brewer, Safe Haven’s outreach and prevention coordinator.
According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline’s website, the month-long awareness campaign offers “a way to unite advocates across the nation in their efforts to end domestic violence.”
“Evil things, bad things — they live in shadows,” Brewer said. “It’s only when we shine a light on them that we can actually get rid of the problems.”
Brewer said Safe Haven’s domestic violence awareness events are all free and open to the public.
Safe Haven’s planned Domestic Violence Awareness Month events
Candlelight Vigil, Oct. 1, 6-8 p.m.
A community event at the Corner Park. This event features a moment of silence for the women who have died in Ashland County due to domestic violence and honors the survivors and their stories. All are welcome.
Empty Chair Project
The Empty Chair Project is another way to commemorate the lives of the ten people who have lost their lives to domestic violence in Ashland County. It will be on display at Appleseed CMHC Oct. 7 to Nov. 4.
Speak Out, Oct. 15, 6:30-8 p.m.
This is a more private event at the Freer Community Room. This provides a safe space for survivors of domestic violence to share their stories, learn about resources and encourage one another.
Applefest, Oct. 19 1-3 p.m.
A family friendly event at Appleseed CMHC. Featuring a trunk or treat, food, games, bouncy houses and more!
Raising awareness
Brewer said bringing awareness to domestic violence is important.
In part, the importance comes from the fact that domestic violence is more common than most people realize.
According to Brewer, one-in-four women will be a victim of domestic abuse in their lifetimes. Those situations also come with a high risk of escalation, Brewer said.
Raising awareness and offering support to victims in each community can offer an opportunity to prevent those situations from escalating.
“We want to raise awareness and we don’t want this to go further,” Brewer said. “We want it to stop here. We want it to stop at the first instance before it gets any worse.”
She added those who may have experienced domestic violence should know there isn’t any shame. Brewer said a lot of people have been through similar difficult situations. She emphasized there is help, and that everybody deserves to feel loved and safe.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, you can reach Safe Haven by dialing 419-282-6097, or you can reach Safe Haven’s crisis hotline 24/7 by dialing 419-289-8085. You can also call the National Domestic Violence hotline at 800-799-7233, or by texting “BEGIN” to 88788.
