October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic Violence is the willful intimidation as part of a systemic pattern of power and control perpetrated by an intimate partner against another and happens across all genders, ages, races, and other demographics. This abusive behavior may include physical, emotional, psychological, financial, or sexual abuse. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, domestic violence accounts for 15% of all violent crime with 1 in 3 women and 1 and 4 men experiencing physical violence by their partner in their lifetime. Rape Crisis Domestic Violence Safe Haven program is holding several events to honor victims and survivors of domestic violence throughout October. All events are free and open to the public.
- Candlelight Vigil: October 5 at 6:30pm at Corner Park. To honor victims and survivors of domestic violence with guest speaker Mayor Matt Miller. We ask that you wear a mask. Social distancing measures will be followed.
- Wear Purple Day: Oct 22 all day. Wear purple to help raise awareness of domestic violence.
- Zoom Movie Night: Oct 22 at 7pm. Join us for a watch party and discussion on “The Children Next Door”, a film through the eyes of children who grew up witnessing domestic violence.
- Online Book Club: Oct 26 at 6pm. Online discussion of “The Blue Abyss” by Jayne C. Dough
- Empty Chair Project: Oct 26-30 at Freer Field. The Empty chair project is symbolic of one of the 10 Ashland County victims who lost their life as a result of domestic violence who will no longer be seated at the table, but is never forgotten.
- Survivor Speak Out: Oct 28 at 6:30pm at the AU Upper Chapel. Masks are required and everyone will be distanced inside. Open for anyone to join. Survivors may also submit anonymous stories for an advocate to read during the Speak Out by emailing awebb@safehavenofashland.org or calling the Safe Haven at 419-289-8085.
- Watch Party Wednesdays: Join us every Wednesday at noon for a short film and brief discussion. Oct 7-Chiara Lisowski’s domestic violence survivor story, Oct 14-Brittany Smith’s “Stand Your Ground” case in Alabama after she killed a man trying to defend herself after he raped and attempted to kill her. Oct 21-Incarcerated Survivors, Oct 30-Valerie’s domestic violence survivor story.
- Silent Witness Project: Each silhouette honors and holds the story of an Ashland County resident who lost their life as a result of domestic violence. Visit the silhouettes on Oct 5-9 at Corner Park, Oct 9-16 at Bicentennial Park, Oct 16-23 at Central Park (Loudonville), and October 23-30 at AU Fountain.
Follow “RCDVSafeHaven” on Facebook for links and more information on domestic violence and their events throughout the month.
Rape Crisis Domestic Violence Safe Haven is a program of Appleseed Community Mental Health Center and provides prevention, intervention, support, and advocacy to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and stalking in Ashland County 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Programs include: 24 hour hotline, emergency shelter, case management, court advocacy, hospital advocacy, campus advocacy, support groups, individualized safety planning, resources and information, outreach, and prevention education.
If you or someone you know has experienced domestic violence, call Safe Haven’s 24-hour hotline at 419-289-8085 to speak with a trained advocate or visit safehavenofashland.org for more information. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.
