October is Dating and Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), and Lumina Alliance is hosting a series of impactful events in San Luis Obispo County. These events are designed to raise awareness, support survivors, and engage our community in the fight against intimate partner violence.
Mark Your Calendars: DVAM Events You Won’t Want to Miss
1. Fashions for a Purpose
Date: Saturday, October 5 Time: 10:00 AM Location: Dana Adobe Cultural Center, Nipomo
Kick off DVAM with style and substance at our Fashions for a Purpose event. This isn’t your typical fashion show – it’s a powerful statement of solidarity with survivors. Local designers and community members will showcase outfits that represent strength, resilience, and hope. Come enjoy the fashion, stay for the important conversations about domestic violence awareness. Click for tickets.
2. Candlelight Vigil
Date: Thursday, October 10 Time: 7:00 PM (time to be confirmed) Location: Meathead Movers Headquarters
Join us for a solemn and powerful evening of remembrance and hope. In partnership with Meathead Movers and Kramer Lighting, we’ll illuminate the night with candles and purple lights – the color of domestic violence awareness. This vigil honors survivors and those we’ve lost to domestic violence, while also shining a light on the path forward.
Aaron Steed, CEO of Meathead Movers, emphasizes the importance of this event: “For over twenty-three years, we’ve partnered with Lumina Alliance, providing free emergency moves to victims of domestic violence. This vigil is about raising awareness and showing our collective support and solidarity with survivors and their families.”
3. “Practical Magic” Movie Screening
Date: Friday, October 25 Time: 7:00 PM Location: The Palm Theater
End the month with a magical evening at The Palm Theater. Join us for a Moonlit Movie to celebrate community and empowerment for Domestic Violence Action Month. Tickets include entry, drink snack and raffle ticket! Costumes encouraged! We’re screening “Practical Magic,” a film that touches on themes of domestic violence, sisterhood, and empowerment. After the movie, stay for a brief discussion about the film’s themes and how they relate to real-world experiences of domestic violence survivors. Click for tickets.
Why These Events Matter
Jennifer Adams, Executive Director of Lumina Alliance, explains the significance of these events: “Lumina Alliance has been a bright light during dark times for over 40 years. These DVAM events allow us to bring our community together, raise awareness about the hidden costs of intimate partner violence, and highlight the unique challenges faced by underserved survivor groups.”
This year, Lumina Alliance is focusing on illuminating the often-overlooked aspects of domestic violence, including the experiences of undocumented individuals, transgender people, and those living with disabilities.
How You Can Participate
- Attend the events: Your presence shows support for survivors and helps raise awareness.
- Spread the word: Share information about these events with friends, family, and on social media.
- Donate: Can’t make it to an event? Consider making a donation to support Lumina Alliance’s year-round services.
Remember, Lumina Alliance offers comprehensive services including a 24-hour crisis line, legal referrals, emergency shelters, and therapy. By participating in these events, you’re not just raising awareness – you’re directly supporting these crucial services for survivors in our community.
To learn more about Lumina Alliance’s services, visit LuminaAlliance.org. Together, we can make a difference this DVAM and beyond.
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