October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Why Purple for Domestic Violence?
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Have you ever wondered why purple is the color associated with domestic violence? According to domesticshelters.org, purple, white, and gold were used in the early 1900s when the women’s suffrage movement adopted the National Women’s Party’s colors. The colors started in England and symbolized purity, hope, and loyalty. Then, on July 9, 1978, nearly 100,000 advocates of equal rights for women marched in Washington, D.C., many dressed in lavender.
 
In October 1981, when the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence observed a “Day of Unity,” many of those participants also chose to wear lavender or purple. In October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed, and again, purple-hued clothing was widely embraced by participants. This progression solidified the adoption of purple for marketing and awareness purposes by domestic violence organizations; purple was chosen as an evolution of the lavender from decades past.
 
Wear purple on Thursday, Oct. 22nd to raise awareness and show support for survivors of domestic violence. 
"Ten Lives Lost in Just One County is a Crisis"

According to PCADV’s Fatality Report, in 2019, 112 domestic violence victims lost their lives in Pennsylvania. In just the past six months in Montgomery County, ten people have died in domestic violence incidents.
 
An editorial in The Reporter stated that “domestic violence has been an epidemic behind closed doors of our communities long before the coronavirus. This year, more than ever, the importance of awareness, understanding of victims’ needs, and embracing the responsibility to help are critical. Ten lives lost in just one county is a crisis. Let this become the alarm to be aware of domestic violence and call for help.”
 
Countdown to the Amazing Raise!

Have you ever helped someone in need and wished you could have done more? Well, now you can!
 
Laurel House is participating in the Amazing Raise, a regional day of giving organized by the TriCounty Community Network. For every dollar donated to Laurel House through the Amazing Raise, a percentage will be matched. The Amazing Raise is on October 30th. However, you can schedule your donation in advance starting today by visiting the Amazing Raise website.

Monday, October 5th - Sunday, October 11th
Due to COVID-19, Marian's Attic Bingo was canceled this year. But you can still win some of the fantastic items! Visit our virtual auction to preview the handbags and baskets now.
Friday, October 16th - Sunday, October 18th

Join us for our first ever virtual 5K DASH Against Domestic Violence. A virtual DASH means that we do not need to limit the event to just one day! Now participants will have an entire weekend to complete their 5K. Register or learn more today.
Thursday, October 22nd at 7pm

This virtual training will focus on recognizing and supporting athletes in abusive relationships. Join us as we discuss how to talk to young athletes about dating violence.
For information, click here.
Thursday, October 29th at 7pm
Soul Joel's Comedy Club and Lounge in Royersford will be hosting a comedy show to raise funds for Laurel House. Jason Salmon will headline the event. Attendees will be socially distant, seated in their own pods. BYOB, Bring Your Own Food.
Tickets are $20 - with $10 going to Laurel House. Get your ticket here!

PCADV Conference:
Defining and Delivering Excellence
October 7th - 9th

The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence's biennial statewide conference is going VIRTUAL this year! The theme for this year's conference will be "Domestic Violence at the Intersection of Race, Class, and Gender". Karma Cottman, Executive Director of the DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence will deliver the Keynote Address.

Cabrini University's Domestic Violence Symposium
Wednesday, October 14th at 2pm

This year's 10th annual Domestic Violence Symposium: Resilience During a Pandemic will feature Kenneth Ginsberg, MD, MSED. Dr. Ginsburg focuses on building the strength of teenagers by fostering their internal resilience, a theme evidenced throughout his clinical practice, teaching, research, and advocacy efforts.