October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Each October, the Shelter for Help in Emergency recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month with a series of awareness opportunities designed to encourage conversation and bring attention to issues that touch our community as a whole but are often hidden in secrecy. Please visit the Shelter website and social media pages for more information on Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Shelter activities.
October 1-31: Social Media Awareness
Each day in October, the Shelter will post to its social media platforms to help raise awareness of issues surrounding domestic/intimate partner violence, offer self-care tips, and engage with the community.
October 7: DVAM at the Community Chalkboard
Stop by to visit with staff and volunteers at the Community Chalkboard/Freedom Wall on the Charlottesville Downtown Mall where they will be on hand to share messages of hope for survivors and offer resources to those experiencing domestic/intimate partner violence. Join us, grab a piece of chalk, and share your own messages of healing and resilience.
October 7: Candlelight Vigil - Ting Pavilion on Cville Downtown Mall, 7:00pm
The vigil is an opportunity to mourn those we have lost in the community to domestic/intimate partner violence and honor those who have survived. The vigil involves poems/readings; songs by a local women's choir; and closes with Shelter staff reading out the names of victims in our community who lost their lives at the hands of an abuser since 1979.
October 17: Purple Thursday
Wear purple to show your support for survivors and for ending domestic/intimate partner violence. Share on social media using the hashtag #purplethursday
Purple Thursday, celebrated on the third Thursday of October, is a day where people wear purple to show their support for survivors of domestic/intimate partner violence. This simple act of wearing purple helps raise awareness and lets survivors know they are not alone. Consider encouraging students and teachers to wear purple to school, creating a visible and united front against domestic/intimate partner violence.
October 25 & 26: Mock Star's Ball
The Southern Cafe and Music Hall will be hosting Mock Star's Ball 2024 to benefit Shelter for Help in Emergency! This annual event features many local, regional, and national artists covering a wide variety of music genres, some impressive Halloween costumes, delicious food and drinks, and just a great time! Purchase your tickets early, because this event typically sells out!
November 2: 5K Run/Walk for Shelter - Downtown Charlottesville, 8:00am
The run/walk begins on the Downtown Mall at 8am (in front of Mudhouse). Each in-person participant receives a beanie hat and an opportunity to win one of our fabulous grab bag prizes. Packet pickup will be offered on Friday, November 1 (8:30am – 6:00pm) at the Shelter for Help in Emergency’s Community Outreach Center. Register today at RunSignUp.com.
