Each October, the Putnam/Northern Westchester Women’s Resource Center and People Against Domestic Violence remind us that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. As they do each year, the PNWWRC and PADV will host special events throughout the month not only to remind people that domestic violence is a problem but also “to honor the strengths, struggles, creativity and courage of those who strive for peace in their hearts, peace in the home and peace in the world.
“The most important thing we can do is to keep the conversation about domestic violence going,” said PNWWRC Executive Director Ann Ellsworth. “It’s an on-going journey and those participating in it need our continued support. What we have to be is a loud voice for change,” she said.
Bringing voices together in song is one of the programs that PNWWRC will host when they present their annual A Woman’s Voice: Singing for Our Lives concert. This year the musical evening will be held on Thursday, Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. at The Winery at St. George, 1715 E. Main Street in Mohegan Lake. Scheduled performers include the John Bates Band, Arkie Bermiss, Hailey Knox, and Open Book. Tickets for the always well attended concert are $50 per person and may be purchased on the PNWWRC website at: www.pnwwrc.org.
And, as they do each October, People Against Domestic Violence will hold their Candlelight Vigil on the steps of the Historic Putnam County Courthouse on Monday, Oct. 27 starting at 6 p.m.
County Executive MaryEllen Odell looks forward to the day when the candlelight vigil is no longer needed; the day when domestic violence comes to an end.
“While I fully support the work of those involved with the Women’s Resource Center and People Against Domestic Violence, and I commend them for their all-out efforts to make the public more aware of the number of domestic violence incidents right here in our own County, I do hope that someday we will not have to hold vigils recalling those who have been traumatized or even killed in domestic disputes,” she said.
Putnam residents are urged to wear purple throughout the month to show support for the work against domestic violence. Wednesday, Oct. 15 is the official Wear Purple Day and people are asked to take photos of themselves and others wearing purple and share their photos on Facebook and Twitter. The PNWWRC Facebook page contains 31 Points to Ponder about domestic violence.
Ellsworth said donations are always welcomed by the staff and volunteers at PNWWRC.
“Donation to help us continue to offer programs and services to the women, children, and men in our community,” she said.
For more information on October events and the year-round work of PNWWRC or to make a donation, or to make arrangements to volunteer, visit their website at: www.pnwwrc.org. or call them at: (845) 628-9284. The Putnam Northern Westchester Women’s Resource Center is located at 935 South Lake Blvd., Suite #2, Mahopac, NY 10541.