Domestic Violence Solutions (DVS) is recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) by inviting the community to join them in standing with survivors throughout October.
DVS will host several community events and asks residents to participate in raising awareness of domestic violence and how everyone can play a role in its prevention.
The month’s events open with the CARE 4 Paws’ Walk Against Abuse at 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 1 at Elings Park.
CARE 4 Paws’ A Safe Haven is a Santa Barbara County program that assists domestic violence survivors and their companion animals.
Mission Street Ice Cream & Yogurt will be donating 10% of proceeds to DVS when a customer orders a single scoop ice cream sundae.
There will be two candlelight vigils for the community to honor loved ones who have lost their lives to domestic violence.
The North County candlelight vigil will be at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5 at Machado Plaza, Pine and Chapel streets in Santa Maria (formerly Chapel Street Plaza).
The South County candlelight vigil will be 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26 at Paseo Nuevo in Santa Barbara.
The 15th Annual Luncheon — DVS’s largest fundraiser — will be 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15, at the Montecito Club.
Keynote speaker will be Olga, a local survivor who is a strong force in the community and has been the voice for other survivors. In private, Olga endured physical, mental, verbal, financial and emotional violence.
“Physical or emotional, it all hurts,” said Olga. “It is all abuse and violence.”
The event is designed to raise awareness and funds to support domestic violence survivors and their families across the DVS service area. Santa Barbara City Councilmember Meagan Harmon and SBCC Foundation CEO Geoff Green will serve as emcees.
DVS is grateful for community support from sponsors Kielle Campbell Family Foundation, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, Cheeryble Foundation, NS Ceramic, Inc., Famers & Merchants Bank, and CelCal Health.
Presenting Sponsor is New Image Thrift Store in Santa Maria.
“Over the years, New Image Thrift Store has been privileged to provide a way for our local community to make a real difference in the lives of those in need right here on the Central Coast.,” said Jon Kerly, president/CEO of New Image Thrift Store.
“In addition to our partnership with DVS, we have been able to provide stable job opportunities to local residents, enabling many to get back up on their feet and to create a better life for themselves and their families,” Kerly said.
“New Image Thrift Store also serves to provide the local community with an environmentally friendly means of dealing with used clothing and textiles,” Kerly said. “Any items which cannot be sold, are sorted and brought to a textile recycling company, which ships them overseas to be sold and given away in developing countries.”
If you or someone you know in Santa Barbara County is experiencing abuse or needs resources, you can contact the DVS 24/7 crisis and information hotline at 805-964-5245.
For more information or to participate in DVAM by accessing the marketing toolkit, visit dvsolutions.org/DVAM2023 or email TinaB@dvsolutions.org.
Domestic Violence Solutions provides safety, shelter and support for individuals and families affected by domestic violence and collaborates with community partners to raise awareness regarding the cause, prevalence and impact.
For more information, to make a donation, or to learn about upcoming events, visit dvsolutions.org.