As October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Sanctuary, Inc. is preparing its month-long campaign to raise awareness and advocate for the prevention of domestic violence in our community. A series of impactful and educational events have been planned throughout October.
Domestic violence affects millions of people across the globe, regardless of age, race, religion or socioeconomic status. Specifically, Kentucky ranks No. 2 in the U.S. in the rate of domestic violence cases, according to the World Population Review.
Bringing this critical issue to the forefront and offering resources and support, Sanctuary, Inc. continues its mission to create a safe space for survivors, breakdown the stigmas surrounding abuse, and foster a community that advocates for healthier relationships.
This year, we are proud to present an array of compelling events and initiatives that will encourage dialogue, provide education and inspire action. The following initiatives are sure to engage individuals from all walks of life:
- Mahr Park Bale Trail
Date: Sept. 15 – Oct. 31
Location: Mahr Park, Madisonville
Description: Check out Sanctuary’s cell phone hay bale design along the annual Mahr Park Hay Bale Trail in Hopkins County. Featuring our 24/7 emergency hotline number, the larger-than-life-size iPhone reminds the community that “help and healing is just a phone call aw-HAY.”
- Domestic Violence Awareness PSA featuring Advocates Across the Pennyrile Region
Date: Oct. 1
Location: Online & Sanctuary, Inc. Social Media
Description: Domestic violence is more than a women’s issue. Check out featured men across our 9-county service area take a stand against DV in this video public service announcement. The video will be posted on social media.
- Proclamation Signing
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023
Time: 5:45 p.m.
Location: Hopkinsville Municipal Center inside Council Chambers
Description: Join us at 5:45 p.m. in the Hopkinsville City Council chambers as Mayor James R. Knight signs a proclamation declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
- ‘Speak My Name’ football game presentation
Date: Friday, Oct. 6, 2023
Time: 7 p.m., halftime
Location: Stadium of Champions
Description: Join us at the Stadium of Champions for a halftime Speak My Name presentation. “Speak My Name” brings awareness to Kentuckians who have tragically lost their lives to intimate partner violence in the past year. Sanctuary staff will be at this game sharing purple swag items and raising awareness about interpersonal violence.
Date: Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023
Time: 8 a.m. – noon
Location: Downtown Hopkinsville & Designated Marathon Route
Description: Sanctuary staff plan to cheer on runners along the route of the fifth annual Hoptown Half Marathon and 5K. This year, a portion of proceeds from race registration will be donated to Sanctuary, Inc. by Hopkinsville Parks and Recreation. Thank you to event organizers & sponsors!
Throughout the month, Sanctuary, Inc. will also be sharing informative content on our social media platforms, including stories, resources, and tips on recognizing and preventing domestic violence. Additionally, Sanctuary advocates across the Pennyrile region will be providing high school sports teams with purple “Wipe Out DV” towels and water bottles to use during games.
Executive Director Heather Lancaster says, “Domestic Violence Awareness is nationally recognized in October. However, Sanctuary proudly offers our services 24/7 and always welcomes the community’s support in ending domestic violence and fostering environments of empathy and kindness.”
For more information about Domestic Violence Awareness Month events or to get involved, please contact Zirconia Vansauwa at zirconia@thesanctuaryinc.com.
Purchase your Domestic Violence Awareness T-Shirt here and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Sanctuary, Inc.’s mission.
Sanctuary, Inc. is the nonprofit emergency shelter for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in the nine counties across the Pennyrile region. Sanctuary’s services are funded in part or in whole by state and federal funds.