Monthlong

Peace Pumpkins

The Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention Coalition invites you to look for purple pumpkins at businesses in the Lexington-Fayette area. Each pumpkin includes a QR code that links to more information about services.

Monthlong

Chalk the Walk

Write messages rooted in support for survivors and raise awareness of services on sidewalks across the community! A meaningful way for schools, colleges, and small businesses to participate! Learn more.

October & Beyond

Five Flyer Challenge

Print and hang flyers with our tear-away hotline number to raise awareness about services available. Pin the flyer on bulletin boards while you’re out and about at coffee shops, gyms, and libraries. Learn more.

Every Day

Faith Connections

Safety takes root in faith communities that are informed about the dynamics of abuse. Visit our page with resources to raise awareness and start conversations during the month. Learn more.

Every October

Cartober

Cartober is a month-long initiative to encourage vehicle donations to support charitable causes like ours. Your old car, truck, motorcycle, boat, or other vehicle can support services for survivors! Learn more.

Sunday, October 4

Paint Wars

Alpha Chi Omega and Sigma Nu bring together the University of Kentucky Greek community for Paint Wars, an annual event held on campus to raise awareness and funds. Last year they raised over $20,000 to support survivors!

Tuesday, October 6

Radio Interview

Advocate Anne Hodge will be interviewed about domestic violence services and ways the community can support survivors at 9:10 am on WCYN radio, Cynthiana’s hometown voice.

Tuesday, October 6

Resource Event

Look for our resource table at the Spero Health Peace, Love, & Self-Care Community Connection Event in Cynthiana from 10 am to 4 pm.

Tuesday, October 6

Speaking Event

Advocate Christy Messick will be speaking at St. Paul Catholic Church to share more about intimate partner abuse. If you’re interested in having a speaker at your organization or business, fill out this form.

Friday, October 9

Healing Seminar

Tania Whitfield and Chanel Blue are hosting a Lunch & Learn at Central Public Library in Lexington from 1 pm to 3:30 pm for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

Saturday, October 10

Pop-Up Event

Lexington Cake Lady, Rebecca Woodruff, will be hosting a pop-up at Leestown Coffee House from 9 am to noon. All purple baked treats will have 100% of the proceeds donated to support survivors.

Wednesday, October 14

Press Conference

ZeroV, Kentucky’s state coalition united against domestic violence, hosts a press conference with elected officials in celebration, remembrance, and recommitment to ending domestic violence in Kentucky. Presentation of the Sherry Currens Advocacy Awards and Peace in Kentucky Homes Awards will follow. More details to come.

Thursday, October 15

Purple Thursday

This is a national day of wearing purple to identify yourself as an advocate for survivors! Put on purple shirts, pants, ties, and more to show your support and raise awareness and call for an end to domestic violence. Make sure to tag us on Facebook and Instagram so we can share your support! More details here.

Saturday, October 17

Arbor Day Celebration

Look for our resource table at the 35th Arbor Day celebration from 10 am to 5 pm at The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky. More details here.

Saturday, October 17

Pop-Up Event

Lexington Cake Lady, Rebecca Woodruff, will be hosting a pop-up at the Fayette Mall from 11 am to 5 pm. All purple baked treats will have 100% of the proceeds donated to support survivors.

Sunday, October 18

Pop-Up Event

Lexington Cake Lady, Rebecca Woodruff, will be hosting a pop-up at the Fayette Mall from 11 am to 5 pm. All purple baked treats will have 100% of the proceeds donated to support survivors.

Thursday, October 22

Rise Up: A Survivor’s Tribute

Join Lexington’s network of community partners at Rise Up: A Survivor’s Tribute hosted by the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office. More details to come.

Saturday, October 24

Pop-Up Event

Lexington Cake Lady, Rebecca Woodruff, will be hosting a pop-up at Hamburg Pavilion from 11 am to 4 pm. All purple baked treats will have 100% of the proceeds donated to support survivors.

Tuesday, October 27

Community Connector Training

Become a Community Connector and represent our organization at local events, share resources, and help others stay informed and connected. We’re hosting a training to welcome a new class of Community Connectors at our emergency shelter from 6 pm to 8 pm. More details here.

ROOTS OF VIOLENCE 

Abusers use purposeful tactics to gain and maintain control, including isolation, gaslighting, and economic abuse. It often begins slowly, making the pattern difficult to recognize. As coercive control increases, a victim has fewer choices and less freedom.   

ROOTING OUT ABUSE 

The signs of intimate partner abuse often appear gradually and can be difficult to identify. What looks like a small or unrelated change may be part of a larger pattern of abuse.

A friend, coworker, or loved one may become more isolated, anxious, or withdrawn. Unexplained injuries, frequent absences, and limited communication are common.   

SUPPORT TAKES ROOT 

Talk openly about domestic violence in your circle of influence to identify yourself as someone who supports survivors.

If you are concerned about someone, ask how they are doing and give them room to talk about what is happening. Understand that leaving can be the most dangerous time because the abuser is losing power and control.  

It is also imporant to remember that the person being abused is the expert of their own experience. They have been witness to the patterns and can determine the risks better than you. 

Know what resources are available, so you are ready to help when asked.