October Named Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Rockland

Joining the statewide “Shine the Light on Domestic Violence “campaign, Rockland County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef declared October Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  He presented Rockland Family Shelter Executive Director Carolyn Fish with the proclamation.  As part of the effort to increase awareness of domestic violence, a series of events have been scheduled throughout October in the county.

Beginning Saturday, Oct. 1 and through the month, the Rockland Family Shelter office building in New City displays the "Shine the Light" banner and will be bathed in purple light. The Allison-Parris County Office Building in New City joins with purple illumination from Sunday, Oct. 16 through Sunday, Oct. 23.  

Other planned events that week include: 

• Wednesday, Oct. 19 - Wear purple in unity with NY State’s Office for Prevention of Domestic Violence’s efforts to raise awareness and prevent domestic violence.
• Thursday, Oct. 20 - Join the “Annual Walk With Me” to end domestic violence at 12 p.m. at Rockland Community College (RCC) in Suffern.
• Sunday, Oct. 23 – Attend brunch at Nyack Seaport at 12 p.m. Rockland NOW presents the Caroline Lexow Babcock Award to Rockland Family Shelter Deputy Executive Director Lynn Sheinkin.

“We are proud to participate in this statewide campaign to raise awareness about domestic violence,” said Vanderhoef.  “Thank you to Rockland Family Shelter for working hard everyday to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents.”

Other events planned for later in October include:

• Monday, Oct. 24 – Listen to the County Office for the Aging panel discussion with Rockland Family Shelter staffer Candy Pittari intimate partner violence among the elderly on WRCR at 10 a.m.
• Friday, Oct. 28 - Attend the 14th Annual STOP F.E.A.R. Criminal Justice Conference at RCC at 8:30 a.m.
• Friday, Oct. 28 - Rockland Family Shelter staff will speak on “Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention in the Jewish Community” at 8 p.m. at Temple Beth Torah in Upper Nyack.

“October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, is a time in which we all pledge to acknowledge the intimate partner violence occurring around us and promise to do something about it,” said Fish.  “Here in Rockland County we urge you to join Rockland Family Shelter and the County Executive’s Office in our efforts to shine the light on domestic violence.” 

Contact the Rockland Family Shelter for more information at 845-634