Centre Safe Shines a Light on Domestic Violence

This October, Centre Safe will shine a light on domestic violence by illuminating the downtowns of Centre County in purple light as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
 
“We’re excited to be partnering with the boroughs across the county to spread the message that we are here for you,” Sarah McPherson, Centre Safe Director of Education and Outreach, said. “The pandemic is causing elevated stress for most people, and the mandatory quarantine and isolation creates conditions where domestic violence can not only exist but remain invisible to anyone outside the home. We need to shine a light on this issue more than ever.”

Centre Safe volunteers and borough workers in Bellefonte, Millheim, Philipsburg and State College have partnered to string purple lights in popular downtown areas as a signal of solidarity with victims of domestic violence. Downtown businesses are also posting purple signs to help tell the story of domestic violence in the community.
 
Last year, Centre Safe helped empower 1,021 survivors of domestic violence in our community but the pandemic has caused concern that victims in quarantine are experiencing additional isolation and barriers to reaching out for services. Centre Safe hopes the installation will serve as a socially distanced way to bring awareness of these often-hidden crimes.

“During this unprecedented pandemic, State College Borough is shining the light on domestic violence and want to remind victims and survivors of domestic violence how much we support them and are here to assist them,” said Tom King, State College Assistant Borough Manager. “The State College Borough has proudly partnered with Centre Safe for more than 25 years, including our joint Victim Centered Intensive Case Manager (VCICM) Unit that has been in existence for 15 years.”

In Bellefonte, the courthouse and high street will be purple for October; Millheim will hang purple lights at the gazebo in Fountain Park; Philipsburg will illuminate the trees in front of borough building; and State College is decorating the 100 block of Allen Street and its municipal building.

“We are happy to work with Centre Safe on such an important issue,” said Bellefonte Borough Manager Ralph Stewart.

Additionally, the Centre County Commissioners proclaimed the month of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The proclamation urges “all citizens to speak out against violence and support local efforts to assist victims of these crimes.”
 
For more information about the campaign, visit centresafe.org/DVAM.