LEWISBURG, Pa. — Domestic violence affects more people than you may realize. According to Transitions of PA, one in three women, one in four men, and nearly half of the LGBTQ community will experience domestic violence in their lifetimes.
Last year, Transitions helped more than 3,000 people in Union, Snyder, and Northumberland Counties.
"We help victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, as well as all other violent crimes," said Tracy Strosser, outreach coordinator for Transitions.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Transitions of PA has been doing programs throughout its three-county area, including a display of empty shoes, representing people who died from domestic violence in Union County.
"It shows the impact, that there are men, women, and children not wearing those shoes today because of domestic violence," Strosser said.
Transitions of PA is participating in Give for DV, a 24-hour fundraising effort. The nonprofit is raising money for its rapid rehousing program.
"Homelessness among survivors has seen a dramatic increase, and so our Rapid Rehousing Program is being utilized more than ever," said Abby Gulden-Luthi, funds development director for Transitions.
The rapid rehousing program helps people who need immediate rental or financial assistance.
"We can also help with food and clothing, cleaning supplies. We're making sure those survivors are in a safe place relatively quickly," Gulden-Luthi said.
If you'd like to donate to Transitions of PA or other domestic violence support organizations in northeastern and central Pennsylvania, click here.