Centre Safe outlines warning signs and local resources during Domestic Violence Awareness Month

# October

October is recognized nationally as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In Centre County, the nonprofit Centre Safe is using the month to raise awareness of warning signs, share resources, and reach survivors who might not yet have sought help.

The organization serves roughly 900 victims each year in the county. Centre Safe's executive director, Jennifer Pencek, notes that figure represents people who sought support and likely does not capture everyone affected by partner violence in the area.

# Scale and context

Local numbers and national data together are used to remind the community that domestic violence is common and that help exists.

# Why leaving is complicated and dangerous

Centre Safe emphasizes that escaping an abusive relationship is rarely a single action. On average, victims try to leave seven to twelve times before they leave for good. The period when a victim attempts to leave is often the most dangerous, which is why outreach and safety planning matter.

The organization points out that many people may not recognize the warning signs in themselves or loved ones. That lack of recognition can delay help-seeking and increase risk.

# The "empty place at the table" exhibit

Centre County has experienced multiple domestic violence fatalities. Centre Safe created the "empty place at the table" exhibit to show the lives lost in the county between 1998 and 2017. Each display includes resource information intended to connect visitors with support before violence escalates to fatalities.

The exhibit will be open to the public at several YMCA locations during October. The displays pair real stories and names with concrete information on where to get help.

# Resources and outreach

Centre Safe provides local services and referral information to survivors. The organization encourages community members to use the month to learn warning signs and available resources, and to refer people safely to support.

Materials and exhibit schedules are available online through Centre Safe and local YMCA channels. The coverage notes that the goal is to reduce fatalities by catching violence earlier through community awareness and by making help visible.

# Concrete steps for someone concerned about a loved one

• Learn common warning signs of partner violence and watch for patterns rather than single incidents.
• Encourage discreet contact with local resources or the national hotline if safety allows.

• Use public exhibits, community events, and local organizations to access printed resource lists and referrals.

# Bottom line

Centre Safe is using Domestic Violence Awareness Month to combine local data, survivor outreach, and a public exhibit to make help more visible and to remind the community that domestic violence affects people across demographics. The organization stresses that community awareness and accessible resources can help prevent further fatalities.