October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Domestic Violence Intervention of Lebanon County is marking the month with several activities to highlight the issue in the local community.
The DVI has chosen a lighthearted event to kick off a serious month of awareness. The first activity is the DVAM Duck Derby at noon Saturday, Oct. 2. Rain date is Oct. 9.
The event takes place along the Quittapahilla Creek, between 7th and 8th streets just south of the Lebanon Valley Family YMCA. Ducks can be adopted for the derby for prices ranging from $5 for one duck to $50 for 12; prizes range from $100 to $300.
The next event is a Better Together Summit from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12, highlighting methods for addressing violence and trauma through the ARRCC Action Network. More information is available online.
Dr. Dan Jurman from the state Office of Advocacy & Reform will discuss the Pennsylvania Trauma Informed Communities project. Breakout sessions will include topics on school mental health for children, economic recovery, post-pandemic prevention and the ARRCC Action Network.
The event is free and will be held virtually. Register online for information on joining the conversation.
Wednesday, Oct. 13, is Health Cares About DV Day. Although no formal program has been announced the day is sponsored by FUTURES and encourages the local healthcare community to “offer patient education about the critical importance of healthy relationships,” according to a release from DVI.
The Resilience Reads Book Club will meet from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 21. The topic of discussion is “You’re Not Listening” by Kate Murphy.
Free registration is available online.
Thursday, Oct. 21, is also #PurpleThursday. People are asked to wear purple to show their support of domestic violence survivors. Participants can share their photos with @DVIOLC on Facebook and Instagram.
Finally, DVI has scheduled two workshops on Monday, Oct. 25. Both are offered through the Community Health Council of Lebanon County.
The first is Trauma 101: An Overview of Trauma-Informed Care, from 9 to 11 a.m. The goals of this session are to promote a sense of urgency to effectively address trauma, and gain some basic information about trauma, such as the ways it impacts children and adults, components of trauma-informed care and impacts of trauma on the brain.
Trauma 102: Basic Skills of Trauma-Informed Care runs from 1 to 3 p.m. Building on information provided in the first session, professionals will expand their understanding of trauma and provide specific skills, such as developing personal self-care plans, exploring regulation and learning an essential trauma-sensitive skill.
Information and free registration for each is available here and here.
For more information about Domestic Violence Awareness Month or any specific events on the calendar, contact DVI at 717-273-7395 or dvipec@dviolc.org.
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