Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation News Release

City of Erie, SafeNet Officially Proclaim October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October 1, 2019

Erie, PA- The City of Erie has officially proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Michael Outlaw, Community Liaison for Erie Mayor Joseph Schember, presented SafeNet, Erie’s domestic violence agency, with the official proclamation at a press conference held on Tuesday, October 1^st.

SafeNet first opened its doors in 1974 under the name Hospitality House and has continued servicing victims of domestic violence for 45 years. At the conference, SafeNet CEO Linda Lyons King announced the agency’s initiative to focus on domestic violence as a health issue during the month of October.

“The health impact (of domestic violence) goes far beyond the direct cause and effect of physical assault and is linked with higher incidents of many chronic conditions,” King said. She also recognized the start of SafeNet’s medical advocacy program in 1994. Today, the agency is on call 24/7 with UPMC Hamot, St. Vincent Health Center, Millcreek Community Hospital, and Community Health Net. SafeNet is also available to host trainings for health care professionals.

Karin Wickwire, coordinator of the Forensic Nursing Team at UPMC Hamot also spoke to highlight the importance of screening for domestic violence in a health care setting.

“Most people consider a hospital or other health care facility to be a safe environment but as health care providers we have to reassure that this is a safe place to talk and share,” said Wickwire. “We should remind our patients that we are here to help them, they are our focus, and we will help make sure they are safe.”

In addition to medical advocacy, SafeNet offers counseling, legal services, emergency shelter, transitional housing, community education, and community referrals. More information can be found online at SafeNetErie.org. Their 24/7 crisis hotline is available at (814) 454-8161.