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October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The Syracuse Area Domestic & Sexual Violence Coalition, staffed and administered by Vera House, Inc., is recognizing National Domestic Violence Awareness Month with a series of community events scheduled throughout October.  The Syracuse Area Domestic & Sexual Violence Coalition works to educate the community about domestic and sexual violence and actively advocates a coordinated community response while building a culture of equality and non-violence.

Events planned in recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month include:

• Reconstructing Relationships Through Art (Saturday, Oct. 15, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at ArtRage Gallery, 505 Hawley Ave., Syracuse) This workshop offers an artful way to grow beyond experiences of abuse and envision what healthy relationships look like.  Along with facilitated dialogue, participants will engage in the deconstruction of objects associated with relationships, i.e. a wedding dress.  Free and open to the public.  Click HERE for more information.

• 13th Annual Domestic & Sexual Violence Faith Weekend (Oct. 21–23) is a proactive attempt to create awareness about domestic and sexual violence in all local faith communities.  Faith Leaders are asked to read a brief statement during services, and resources will be available for the abused, abusers and others affected by domestic and sexual violence at various houses of worship throughout Onondaga County.  Click HERE for more information.

• Your Role in Promoting Healthy Relationships in the African-American Community (Saturday, Oct. 22, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at Bethany Baptist Church, 149 Beattie St., Syracuse) This highly interactive workshop seeks to promote healthy relationships in the African-American community by changing the response to abusive and disrespectful behavior.  Characteristics of bystander intervention and healthy relationships will also be explored.  Throughout the day, survivors and community members will share their personal experiences with sexual/domestic/dating violence or stalking and discuss their pathways to peace.  Free and open to the public.  Click HERE for more information.

• The 22nd Annual Report to the Community on Domestic & Sexual Violence (Wednesday, Oct. 28, 12:00 - 1:15 p.m. at The Oncenter, 800 South State St., Syracuse) The report will include local data, survivors’ voices, an update on community services, community accomplishments and goals for the future. Resource materials will be provided.  Free and open to the public.  Click HERE for more information.

• Chemical Dependency Workshop (Friday, Oct.  28, 12:30 – 4:30 p.m., McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Site, 601 E Genesee St, Syracuse) Participants will develop an understanding of the dynamics of domestic and sexual violence, screening for trauma, safety planning and harm reduction. They will also develop and practice skills assessing and treatment planning.  The workshop fee is $20 and 4 CASAC Credit Hours will be offered.  Click HERE for more information.

To learn more about all of Vera House's events, click HERE to visit our Events Calendar.