Louisville’s Center for Women and Families is leading the city’s observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month with a free, safe and confidential event designed to support survivors and educate the public.
Memorial and Resource Fair at Jefferson Square Park
On Saturday, Oct. 27, the Center will hold a public memorial at noon in Jefferson Square Park, downtown Louisville. The ceremony will honor local individuals who lost their lives to domestic abuse and provide a moment for families and friends to remember them together.
Following the memorial, the Center will open its resource fair for the entire day. Volunteers will be on hand to answer questions, distribute informational materials, and guide attendees to the Center’s 24‑hour, year‑round services. Those services include confidential counseling, legal assistance, emergency shelter referrals, and safety planning for anyone experiencing intimate partner violence or sexual assault.
Why the Event Matters
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 39.6% of women and 22.2% of men in Kentucky have experienced physical abuse, sexual violence or stalking by an intimate partner at some point in their lives. Those numbers underscore the urgent need for community‑wide awareness and support.
Center director Jane Smith emphasized that “shame, secrecy and self‑blame often keep survivors silent. By bringing the community together, we hope to break that cycle and show that help is always available.” She added that community involvement—whether through volunteering, speaking out, or donating—plays a critical role in reducing abuse and building safer neighborhoods across the Commonwealth.
How Residents Can Help
Anyone can contribute to the effort. The Center is seeking volunteers to staff the fair, lead educational workshops, and assist with outreach to schools and faith‑based groups. Local businesses are also encouraged to donate goods, food, or monetary support to keep the Center’s services free of charge.
For those who prefer to support from home, the Center accepts online donations through its website. All contributions go directly toward maintaining the 24‑hour hotline, shelter supplies, and counseling programs that have helped thousands of Kentuckians find safety and hope.
Looking Ahead
The Center for Women and Families plans to continue its outreach throughout Domestic Violence Awareness Month, offering a series of workshops on topics such as safety planning, legal rights, and healthy relationship education. These programs are open to the public and aim to empower families, churches, and schools to recognize warning signs and intervene early.
Community members who cannot attend the Oct. 27 event are encouraged to contact the Center at 502‑555‑1234 or visit cwfky.org for more information about ongoing services and upcoming events.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
