Family Refuge Center recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month with community events, education, and survivor support

PRESS RELEASE

Lewisburg, WV — October 2^nd, 2026 — Family Refuge Center (FRC), a community‑based nonprofit serving Greenbrier, Monroe, and Pocahontas Counties, is proud to join organizations nationwide in recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). Throughout October, FRC will host awareness activities, educational programs, and community events to honor survivors, promote safety, and strengthen local efforts to end domestic violence.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a time to acknowledge the strength of survivors, remember those lost to violence, and reaffirm the community’s commitment to creating a safer future. FRC provides emergency shelter, crisis intervention, court advocacy, hospital accompaniment, therapy, supervised visitation, and youth education to hundreds of individuals and families across rural Appalachia.

“Domestic violence affects every cFamily Refuge Center Recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month with Community Events, Education, and Survivor Supportommunity, and awareness is the first step toward change,” said Stephanie Moore, Executive Director of Family Refuge Center. “This month allows us to shine a light on the realities survivors face while empowering our community to take action, support one another, and stand against abuse.”

October Awareness Activities Include:

• Community Education & Outreach: Presentations for schools, civic groups, and workplaces focusing on healthy relationships, warning signs of abuse, and available resources.
• Paint the Town Purple: Purple serves as the national color of domestic violence awareness, and community participation helps spark conversations and promote safety. FRC invites local businesses, schools, and community members to participate throughout the month of October by displaying purple lights, ribbons, and signage to show solidarity with survivors. 
• Survivor Support Initiatives: Expanded support groups, trauma‑informed workshops, and resource distribution throughout the month.

• Fundraising & Community Engagement Events: Free Community Self‑Defense Class focused on empowerment, awareness, and practical safety skills. The class is open to adults and teens of all experience levels and will be taught in a supportive, trauma‑informed environment on Tuesday, October 20th 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at NOVA Jiu‑Jitsu, 8484 Seneca Trail S. Lewisburg, WV 24901. Registration and resources available beginning at 5:00pm.

How the Community Can Get Involved

Family Refuge Center encourages residents to participate by attending events, wearing purple, sharing educational materials, and supporting survivors through donations or volunteerism. Businesses and organizations interested in partnering with FRC during DVAM can contact the agency directly.

About Family Refuge Center

Family Refuge Center is a nonprofit organization committed to ending physical, emotional, and sexual abuse in Greenbrier, Monroe, and Pocahontas Counties. FRC provides emergency shelter, a 24‑hour crisis hotline, court and medical advocacy, therapy, support groups, supervised visitation and exchanges, and community education for youth and adults. 

All services are free, confidential, and available to individuals of all genders. For more information about Domestic Violence Awareness Month or Family Refuge Center’s services, please contact Tyranda Martin, Director of Outreach Services at 304 645-6324 or visit our website.