September 25, 2013
For media inquiries, please contact Angela Verdery (angelav@safeharborshelter.com or 804-249-9470 X 16).
Each October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month is observed to honor those impacted by domestic violence, raise awareness of this prevalent social issue and support community norms promoting healthy relationships.
On an average day, Safe Harbor serves 41 survivors of domestic and sexual violence in our community. While this is a significant number, there are many more survivors in our community in need of support.
Safe Harbor is commemorating Domestic Violence Awareness Month through a variety of opportunities:
- Purple Ribbons: Purple (the color used to represent the issue of domestic violence) ribbons are available to community members to help raise awareness. If you are interested in obtaining purple ribbons for yourself or others, please contact Angela Verdery (angelav@safeharborshelter.com).
- Legislative Meetings: Safe Harbor will be holding an open house for legislators to provide information about the impact of domestic violence in the communities they represent. These will be held on October 16. For more information, contact Angela Verdery (angelav@safeharborshelter.com).
- Collaborate to Eradicate 5K: Safe Harbor will be selling purple pinwheels while The Sophie House sells pink pinwheels to create a pinwheel garden honoring those impacted by both Domestic Violence and Breast Cancer at Mount Vernon Baptist Church on Saturday, October 5. This garden will be planted as part of the Collaborate to Eradicate 5K organized by The Sophie House.
- Beacon of Hope: Safe Harbor will be honoring Beth Bonniwell, Henrico Division of Police, with the 2013 Beacon of Hope Award. This award is given annually to an individual or group who has been instrumental in empowering survivors of sexual and domestic violence and/or promoting healthy relationships for all. Safe Harbor will also honor the Altria Group Distribution Company for their volunteer time and efforts supporting families residing in our safe houses. This celebration will occur Thursday, October 17 5:30 p.m. For more information, contact Angela Verdery (angelav@safeharborshelter.com).
- Nominate a couple for Safe Harbor’s annual “Hot Healthy Love” series which will run in February 2014. This series highlights couples in the Richmond area who are in healthy relationships and tells their love stories. Nominations will open October 15. Stay tuned to Safe Harbor’s website (www.safeharborshelter.com) for more information.
Safe Harbor representatives are available for interviews to discuss specific events or Domestic Violence Awareness Month in general. Please contact Angela Verdery (angelav@safeharborshelter.com or 804-249-9470 X 16) to schedule an interview.
About Safe Harbor
Safe Harbor 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, please visit www.safeharborshelter.com or www.facebook.com/SafeHarborRVA.