Domestic Violence Rises During COVID-19 In Chester County

CHESTER COUNTY, PA — The Domestic Violence Center of Chester County responded to the increase of domestic violence cases during the COVID-19 pandemic by implementing additional programs to increase awareness of the problem.

The department has received a 19% increase in calls from local police departments, according to Ashley Mikos, coordinator of the agency’s Lethality Assessment Program.

A total of 26% of the calls were labeled as ‘high danger’ for homicide.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month.

The center’s goal is to promote a culture where everyone is safe, empowered and free from domestic violence, Dr. Dolly Wideman-Scott, the center’s CEO, said.

The goal of our Domestic Violence Awareness Month campaign is to reach more community members who may still need our services and support,” said Amelia Rayburn-Pizzica, director of education programs.

These are some of the local events for the month:

• Domestic Violence Awareness Month book displays and resources are available at the Coatesville Area Public Library, Paoli Library, Oxford Library, West Chester Public Library, Spring City Public Library, Easttown Library, and Kennett Library.
• Tree of Hope & Healing planting and dedication events in Schuylkill Township, Kennett Square, and Hibernia Park.
• Lights went up at the Tree of Hope & Healing in Schuylkill Township and at Kennett Borough Hall, on the steps of the historic Chester County Courthouse in West Chester, and at the gazebo in downtown Coatesville.
• A purple ribbon will be displayed at the Knights of Columbus window, 110 Market Street, West Chester.
• Brandywine Valley SPCA is having "A Painting the Shelter Purple Activity," dressing the shelter dogs in purple bandanas.
• The Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville is hosting a classic film screening on Thursday, Oct. 20, of the 1944 film “Gaslight,” with proceeds benefiting centers.

More information is available here www.dvcccpa.org/dvam