ARISE, Borough of Ellwood City Kick Off Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Mayor Anthony J. Court along with Grace Schmarewski and Olivia Gaffron, representatives from Arise, placed ribbons and signs around downtown Ellwood City to kick off the Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

“We have been participating in this program for over 5 years and will continue to support the program for many years,” said Mayor Court. “The Month of October is Domestic Violence Awareness month and Arise hopes to spread awareness and continue educating the community on violence prevention and healthy relationships. The signs also contain information about Arise and services we offer to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.”

ARISE – Our Community’s Response to Violence and Abuse – formerly called the Crisis Shelter of Lawrence County is the only domestic violence and sexual assault shelter in Lawrence County. Annually, ARISE serves nearly 1800 victims/survivors in a county with a population of just over 91,000. Staff reaches nearly 5000 students with age-appropriate prevention education each year ranging from pre-school to college ages and nearly 1200 community members with awareness/intervention training. One of the most powerful solutions to ending the generational cycle of violence has proven to be the agency’s transitional housing program, where families have adequate time to learn the skills of independence.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month was launched nationwide in October 1987 as a way to connect and unite individuals and organizations working on domestic violence issues while raising awareness for those issues.

PICTURED BELOW (left to right): Mayor Anthony J. Court, Grace Schmarewski, Sgt. Michael McBride, and Olivia Gaffron