The Petersburg borough assembly has recognized October as domestic violence awareness month and the local advocacy group has several events planned this week to bolster awareness in the community.
Working Against Violence for Everyone, or WAVE, provides support and legal help for victims of violence. The non-profit also works to educate the community about the problem. WAVE is encouraging people to wear purple this Thursday as part of a national campaign. There’s also a walk planned this Saturday.
Joe Viechnicki spoke with WAVE’s executive director Annette Bennett, prevention coordinator Amanda Greenfield and office coordinator Stephanie Aikins. First, Bennett answered a question about an increase in demand for the organization’s services this pandemic year.
People can still decorate rocks of hope for survivors by contacting WAVE on social media. WAVE has a limited number of purple masks for Thursday as well.
The walk is Saturday, October 24th starting at Firelight Gallery and Framing on main street. It will take about half an hour to 45 minutes and can be done anytime between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for social distancing.
To find out more about volunteering, call Aikins at WAVE’s 24-hour number 772-WAVE, or 772-9283. Her extension is 105. WAVE normally would be doing a membership drive during Oktoberfest but won’t be this year. Instead they’re encouraging people to go online or call them to renew their membership.
