The Domestic Violence Center of Chester County (DVCCC) works to reduce, remedy, and prevent domestic violence in Chester County. Often a silent epidemic, domestic violence is defined as a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship, that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. In order to address the abuse and provide support for survivors, DVCCC offers comprehensive services including education and prevention work, safe housing when needed, and an active domestic abuse hotline that answered more than 2,800 calls.

Last year alone, DVCCC reached more than 4,500 adults and teens with education/prevention programming and services. Almost 80% of victims at high risk for domestic violence-related homicide followed through with DVCCC services after interactions with DVCCC LAP program-trained law enforcement. Safe housing was provided for 81 families and 400 individuals were supported through DVCCC’s Adopt-a-Family holiday giving program.

The Domestic Violence Center of Chester County actively partners with local boroughs and organizations to raise awareness about the prevalence of domestic violence within local communities. DVCCC has “Painted the Town Purple” in communities across Chester County by decorating downtown areas with purple ribbons that include their hotline number and October awareness month information. They also help raise awareness of the intersection between domestic violence and animal abuse, by their continued partnerships with the Brandywine Valley SPCA.

Starting as a community effort in Schuylkill Township in 2021, DVCCC expanded its Light the Night for Hope & Healing awareness effort and event, countywide! Purple lights – decorating DVCCC’s Trees of Hope & Healing in Phoenixville and Kennett, the City of Coatesville Gazebo, the Historic Chester County Courthouse in downtown West Chester, and even the Coatesville VA Center – glow throughout the night all October to not only memorialize those lost to domestic violence in Chester County but to shine as a beacon of hope to those who still may be living with abuse: You are not alone.

Please visit DVCCC’s website to learn more about how you can support their efforts in preventing domestic violence and supporting survivors.