October marks the beginning of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence, or intimate partner violence, is complex and dangerous and can affect anyone. Domestic violence is more than just physical abuse. It is a pattern of behaviors that a partner uses against the other person to gain and maintain power and control in the relationship.
If you believe you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please contact the police at 911.
If you think that your relationship is abusive, or if you think someone you know is being abused, call the 24-hour Philadelphia domestic violence hotline at (866) 723-3014.
This October, we encourage you to come break the silence and support those affected by domestic violence by attending the following events happening in the city this month:
Paint Philly Purple Day
Tuesday, October 1
Let’s kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month by showing our support to survivors:
- Wear your favorite purple outfit
- Post a selfie with #PaintPhillyPurple and tag your friends to do the same!
I-Pledge
Wednesday, October 2 | Noon- 1 p.m.
North Plaza, City Hall
This event is hosted by Women Against Abuse. They will be illuminating the importance of creating safe housing for survivors of all gender identities and sexual orientations. Here they will be honoring Kelvin Jeremiah the CEO and President of Philadelphia Housing Authority for his leadership and hard work towards the fight for safer housing.
Health Cares About Domestic Violence Day
Wednesday, October 9 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
All City Health Centers
This event is hosted by the Department of Public Health and Health Federation. Local community health centers will be partnering with domestic violence agencies to offer information about intimate partner violence. They will be sharing local resources and providing confidential services to those affected by Domestic Violence.
Men Can Rally
Wednesday, October 16 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Thomas Paine Plaza, 1401 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
This event is hosted by Lutheran Settlement Housing. The Men Can Rally will be a celebration of all the efforts to prevent Domestic Violence within Philadelphia. Lutheran Settlement Housing will be honoring community members that have been working hard to create a safer Philadelphia for survivors.
Amplifying Our Voices
Wednesday, October 16 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Germantown Friends School Free Library, 5418 Germantown Avenue
This event is hosted by Women in Transition. This evening of poetry sharing and community building features survivors and poets sharing their works and stories. It’s an evening devoted to bringing domestic violence out of the dark.
Survivor Soliloquies
Friday, October 25 | 3 – 5 p.m.
Pan American Charter School Gym, 2800 North American Street
This event is hosted by Congreso de Latinos Unidos. It features a series of monologues performed in both Spanish and English that represent individuals’ lived experiences of violence, survival, and empowerment.
