Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the Lehigh Valley
Every October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) calls on us to shine a spotlight on the epidemic of abuse that is too often overlooked or simply tolerated. This year, that call to action feels especially urgent as communities across the country grapple with headlines about abuse and institutional failures—like the sexual assault lawsuit at Cornell University that captured national attention.
Cases like these leave so many of us asking the same heavy questions: How does this keep happening? And what can we actually do to stop it?
Those questions sit right at the heart of DVAM.
Understanding the Reality
Abuse thrives when harmful behavior gets excused, when people who notice warning signs stay quiet, and when the systems built to protect us move too slowly. The reality is that domestic and sexual violence touches lives in every neighborhood, including our own.
To put the scale of this issue into perspective:
According to RAINN, more than 800 people experience sexual assault every single day in the U.S.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 20 people per minute suffer physical violence at the hands of an intimate partner.
According to the CDC’s National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS), over 27% of women and nearly 20% of men live with coercive control and psychological aggression, patterns of manipulation and isolation that leave no physical marks, but cause lasting damage to physical and mental health.
What Is Intimate Partner Violence?
Intimate partner violence involves harm by a current or former spouse or dating partner. As highlighted by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), abuse goes beyond physical force—it encompasses psychological aggression, financial control, and coercive behavior designed to maintain control over another person.
Recognizing that help is available and that no one has to navigate this alone is critical to breaking the cycle of violence.
Watch: Intimate Partner Violence & Finding Support (AMAZE Org): Before diving into local resources, watch this short educational overview on how relationship abuse manifests, safety planning, and finding support.
How We Work Together in the Lehigh Valley
Healing and prevention don't happen in a vacuum. It takes a whole network of people and organizations looking out for one another.
At CVC, we're here to offer a safe, confidential space for survivors of violent crime, including domestic and intimate partner violence. Whether someone needs therapy, support navigating legal channels, or just a compassionate advocate in their corner, our team is dedicated to helping survivors heal on their own terms.
Because comprehensive support means having specialized care for every situation, we work hand-in-hand with our local partners at Turning Point of Lehigh Valley. Serving both Lehigh and Northampton counties, Turning Point provides critical community programs:
24/7 Helpline and Confidential Residential Shelter: Immediate crisis support, safety planning, and secure emergency shelter in a communal living environment for individuals and families fleeing domestic abuse.
Youth and School Services: Tailored school-based presentations, classroom education, and student empowerment groups designed to teach middle and high school students what healthy, respectful relationships look like.
Empowerment Counseling and Legal Advocacy: Free individual counseling, peer support groups, and court-based advocacy to assist survivors through legal processes, such as filing Protection from Abuse (PFA) petitions.
How You Can Make a Difference
Supporting someone in an abusive situation isn't about stepping in as a hero or giving unsolicited advice, but about being a safe, non-judgmental presence when systems and relationships feel overwhelming.
Here are grounded ways to support safety in our community:
Be a Safe Sounding Board: If someone confides in you or shows subtle signs of isolation, avoid telling them what to do or criticizing their partner. Statements like "I'm here for you no matter what, and I believe you" keep communication lines open so they don't feel forced to isolate further.
Offer Grounded, Practical Support: When a loved one is navigating control or instability, small practical gestures matter. Offering to hold onto important documents, providing a quiet space for a private phone call, or helping with childcare can create crucial breathing room.
Know Where to Warmly Hand Off: You don't have to be a counselor or legal expert. Knowing that organizations like CVC (for trauma counseling and victim advocacy) and Turning Point (for safety planning and emergency shelter) exist means you can gently offer options when a survivor asks for help.
Where to Find Support
If you or someone you care about is in immediate danger, please call 911.
Crime Victims Council (CVC): Contact our team for free, confidential victim advocacy, support services, and specialized counseling.
Turning Point of Lehigh Valley:
24-Hour Helpline: 610-437-3369
Website: turningpointlv.org
NO MORE Global Directory: If you need resources outside our local area or international support options, search the NO MORE Global Directory to find verified support services anywhere in the world.
Learn More: You can also watch SAMHSA's short guide on understanding intimate partner violence and finding help.
Together, we can break the silence and make safety, dignity, and respect the standard for everyone in our community.
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