October 1, 2012

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, an annual observance of efforts to address domestic violence and to honor those impacted by this issue. Safe Harbor joins in this remembrance.

Safe Harbor serves over 40 survivors of domestic and sexual violence each day. More than 500 community members received support seeking protective orders, nearly 350 received counseling services and over 120 emergency room patients were supported by Safe Harbor’s advocates. In addition, over 6,000 community members participated in educational presentations provided by Safe Harbor.

Community members are invited to participate in the Third Annual National Call of Unity on Tuesday, October 2 at 3 p.m. Individuals can register or join Safe Harbor for the call.

Safe Harbor and Henrico Division of Police will be accepting the Proclamation of Domestic Violence Awareness Month from the Henrico County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, October 9 at 7 p.m. Community members are invited to attend this event.

Safe Harbor will be distributing purple ribbons to raise awareness of domestic violence.

For more information about any of these events or to request purple ribbons, please contact Angela Verdery (angelav@safeharborshelter.com).

Thank you for joining us to honor those impacted by domestic violence and in our work to address this issue.

About Safe Harbor
Safe Harbor’s empowers survivors of sexual and domestic violence to transform their lives, and promotes healthy relationships for all. The agency was born through the efforts of a St. Mary’s Hospital emergency room nurse who was devastated by the number of domestic abuse victims she treated. As a result, Safe Harbor opened in April 2000. It has grown from an emergency shelter to offering additional critical supportive services including a 24-hour confidential helpline (804-287-7877), community counseling programs for adults and children, community support groups in English and Spanish, court advocacy, hospital accompaniment and community education and outreach services.  For more information, log on to www.safeharborshelter.com or www.facebook.com/SafeHarborRVA.