October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. We will host and attend a number of events throughout the month, raising awareness and empowering and engaging communities to end domestic violence. We hope to see you out in the community!

Click here to download a full list of events.

October 6, 2019: 28th Annual Walk Against Domestic Violence

The Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center holds its 28th Annual Walk Against Domestic Violence, one of the organization’s largest fundraisers of the year, on October 6th. The event kicks off at 9:00 a.m. and features a 3-mile scenic walk through downtown Newburyport, live music and refreshments. Proceeds from this event fund an extensive array of programs and services to 15 local communities such as a 24-hour emergency hotline, crisis counseling for adults and children, art therapy, court advocacy, legal representation, emergency and transitional housing, and homicide reduction.

October 7, 2019: #GirlsToo Week of Action

#GirlsToo is the Girls Inc. national campaign dedicated to creating a culture where all girls and young people grow up safe, respected, and valued. The harsh reality is that girls are exposed to sexual harassment and violence well before they reach adulthood. In fact, one in four girls will experience sexual violence by the age of 18.

This month, we honor the #GirlsToo one-year anniversary (along with the #MeToo anniversary) by launching the #GirlsToo Week of Action, a week-long initiative to drive awareness of and advocacy for Gender Equity in Education Act, legislation introduced by Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Calif.) to prevent and address sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, in schools.

October 9, 2019: Haverhill Council on Aging Community Resource Fair

The Haverhill Council on Aging will host a Community Resource Fair, together with the Groveland and West Newbury Councils on Aging. The event will be held from 12:30 p.m.–2:00 p.m. at the Haverhill Council on Aging, 10 Welcome Street, Haverhill, MA 01830, and includes free health screenings and complimentary consultations. The Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center will be onsite to provide information on domestic violence along with current statistics, information and materials on programs and services, volunteer opportunities, and upcoming events and trainings.

October 11, 2019: International Day of the Girl

The International Day of the Girl aims to highlight and address the needs and challenges girls face, while promoting girls’ empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights. At Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center through the Girls Inc of the Seacoast Area program, we emphasize that girls are stronger, more confident and less likely to become victims of domestic violence when they are empowered through education.

October 11, 2019: Empowerment Day at Amesbury High School

On October 11 from 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., Amesbury High School has invited several speakers who support the empowerment of women. Students will have a chance to hear from these speakers, including a Youth Empowerment Services (YES) program specialist from the Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center.

October 15, 2019: DOVE and NWH: “What Doesn’t Kill Me”

DOVE is partnering with the Newton-Wellesley Hospital (NWH) Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Program to facilitate a custody coercion event on the evening of Tuesday, October 15th in Quincy from 6:00–8:00 p.m. It will feature a clip from the film “What Doesn’t Kill Me”, as well as a panel of experts, including a survivor speaker, a researcher, and a member of DOVE’s legal team. Participants are encouraged to register online.

October 15, 2019: Court Outreach

The Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center was invited to the Probation Department at the Essex County Probate and Family Court to speak about domestic violence, the services our agency provides, and working with survivors.

October 16, 2019: Expert Q&A with Domestic Violence High Risk Team

The Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance Center will present an online Expert Q&A discussion with Kelly Dunne and Heather Davies on “Domestic Violence High Risk Teams.” The Domestic Violence High Risk Team (DVHRT) Model was born from one community’s tragedy and has gone on to national recognition and replication as a leading strategy for intimate partner homicide prevention. This presentation will provide a comprehensive understanding of the DVHRT Model, with an overview of the research at its foundation, and include a discussion on the function and structure of key partners in this multidisciplinary approach. Participants will learn how team members work together to identify high-risk cases and mobilize risk management strategies. The Q&A is at 2:00 p.m. and will end at 3:15 p.m. Registration is available online.

October 16, 2019: Community Provider Resource Fair hosted by Fatherhood Engagement Leadership Team

The Haverhill area Fatherhood Engagement Leadership Team (FELT) invites you to join the Community Provider Resource Fair from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at the Department of Children and Families, 3 Ferry Street, Haverhill, MA 01843. The event is an opportunity to network with community providers and become familiar with area resources to better serve your family.

October 16 – 29: Domestic Violence Awareness at Holy Family Hospital

On select days in October, the Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center will be onsite at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen and Haverhill to generate awareness of the hospital program available to Holy Family providers, and educate on domestic violence, health impacts and the healthcare provider role.

Dates include: October 16 and October 25 in Haverhill, and October 21 and 29 in Methuen

October 21 – November 4, 2019: Domestic Violence Advocacy Training

The Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center’s comprehensive training series will help you develop the knowledge and skills to appropriately assist victims and survivors of domestic violence. This 30-hour training series complies with Department of Public Health (DPH) requirements for domestic violence advocates in Massachusetts. It is ideal for social service providers, health care professionals, law enforcement, faith leaders and all interested in working to end domestic violence. Each session will be held from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Boston Technology Park North, Amesbury, MA 01913. More details and registration are available for all five sessions online.

Dates include: October 21, October 23, October 28, October 30 and November 4