Sheltering Wings focuses on action and prevention for Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October

DANVILLE, Ind. – Nearly half the women in Indiana (42 percent) experience violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime. That’s twice the national average. And it’s why Sheltering Wings, a Danville, Ind., nonprofit providing prevention education and emergency housing and services for survivors escaping domestic abuse, will mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October with events for everyone who can help: survivors, church congregations, families who have lost loved ones to domestic violence, men who want to hold each other accountable for their behavior toward women and children, and anyone who wants to help adults and children build successful lives after domestic abuse.

“Our motto for October is ‘Awareness in Action, Prevention in Practice.’ We take action during Domestic Violence Awareness Month that we hope will raise everybody’s awareness of what domestic violence is, then provide the tools they need to put their knowledge into practice to prevent abuse,” said Melissa Echerd, Sheltering Wings prevention and education officer.

The following activities are part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month:

What:        Sheltering Wings Annual Shine the Light Vigil

Join the Sheltering Wings Annual Shine the Light Vigil to remember those we’ve lost from domestic violence, honor the people who have been saved through shelter services and celebrate the success of all survivors of abuse.

RSVP. Must have valid photo ID for entry.

When:       Sept. 30

6:30 – 8 p.m.

Where: Sheltering Wings

1251 Sycamore Lane, Danville, Ind. 46122

What:        Sheltering Wings Third Annual Men IN Action Breakfast presented by Hendricks Regional Health

Free breakfast while you hear from guest speakers Justin White, Kent Wright and Andy Dix share

how they’ve built healthy and thriving relationships in our community.

Register at shelteringwings.org/mia2019 or call (317) 386-5062.

Men IN Action are engaged and informed men who are committed to ending all forms of violence, including domestic violence and teen dating abuse, by developing positive social behaviors for men and boys to learn and emulate.

When:       Oct. 8

7:30 – 9:00 a.m.

Where: Washington Township Park Pavilion 435 Whipple Lane, Avon, Ind. 46123

What: Purple In The Pews

When:         Oct. 13

Let’s flood our churches with purple to show our support for survivors of domestic violence. Simply wear purple to church, take pictures and share them on social media using #PurpleInThePews – and tell people you’re wearing purple for Domestic Violence Awareness Month!

Where: Your place of worship (or wherever you’ll be on Sunday, Oct. 13)

What: Dine Out Against Domestic Violence With Hendricks County Cunningham Restaurant Group Locations

When:         Oct. 24

11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Enjoy dining with local partner Cunningham Restaurant Group while supporting Sheltering Wings’ residents! A portion of the day’s proceeds will be donated to Sheltering Wings. Be sure to mention you are Dining Out Against Domestic Violence for Sheltering Wings when you order your meal. crgdining.com

Where: Boulder Creek in Brownsburg, Charbonos in Avon and Bru Burger and Stone Creek in Plainfield.

Domestic abuse occurs when someone who is part of a couple or dating relationship uses physical or
sexual violence, emotional hurt or any type of threats to control someone else through fear. Humiliation,
blame, terror, manipulation and physical pain are some of an abuser’s tactics.

Growing from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s original Day of Unity in 1981, today’s
Domestic Violence Awareness Month comprises educational activities at the local, state and national
levels to show support for victims and to educate the rest of us about how to prevent domestic abuse.

#domesticviolenceawareness #domesticviolenceawarenessmonth

Sheltering Wings gives domestic abuse survivors control over their lives. In a welcoming, Christ-centered environment, we offer crisis/emergency services, life skills, children’s services and abuse prevention/education. Start building a stable, independent life today. You deserve it. ShelteringWings.org