FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29, 2021
Media Contact:
Katie Young Wildes 267-240-4960 kywildes@womenagainstabuse.org
Women Against Abuse Recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month With iPledge® Campaign
Spotlights the difficulties faced by immigrants and refugees experiencing relationship abuse
PHILADELPHIA – Women Against Abuse – Philadelphia’s comprehensive domestic violence service provider – will launch Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Philadelphia with its 14th Annual iPledge® Campaign on Wednesday, October 6th at Noon.
The 2021 iPledge® Campaign, Safer Together, will shine a light on some of the most vulnerable survivors of intimate partner violence – refugees and immigrants – who must overcome significant barriers to accessing safety and support.
Women Against Abuse will honor Nationalities Service Center and HIAS PA, and the critical work these Philadelphia-based organizations are doing to integrate domestic violence intervention and prevention into their culturally-relevant programming.
This is an in-person press conference that will be held outdoors in the courtyard of Philadelphia City Hall. It will also be livestreamed on Facebook for guests who prefer to tune-in virtually. In the case of inclement weather, all guests will participate virtually.
iPledge ® will be hosted by Dr. Argie Allen Wilson, Founder and CEO of F.A.I.T.H. Connects, Co-Founder of Connections Matter and Author of Courageous Conversations Connect, and will include remarks by Mayor Jim Kenney.
“As a welcoming city, we must ensure that all survivors – no matter their citizenship or documentation status – can access the safety they need and deserve,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “Having a strong network of programming and supports is especially important now, as our city works together to welcome evacuees from Afghanistan and migrants from Haiti.”
“We have seen unprecedented levels of gun violence over the past year, and so often the violence that’s plaguing our streets, originates in the home. We must work together with Women Against Abuse and its partners to break this cycle and create a safer community for everyone,” said Dr. Argie Allen Wilson.
Women Against Abuse is asking for the public to get involved by signing a pledge against violence at: https://www.womenagainstabuse.org/events/ipledge/sign-the-pledge
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Digital Resources
Participants should register for the event at iPledgeWAA.org.
Women Against Abuse website: www.womenagainstabuse.org
Event Hash Tag: #iPledgeBecause
Facebook.com/womenagainstabuse/
Instagram.com/womenagainstabuse/
Twitter: @WomenAgnstAbuse
About Women Against Abuse
Women Against Abuse, Inc., is Philadelphia’s largest domestic violence service provider and advocate, and provides crucial support to thousands of people each year through emergency safe haven, transitional housing, community-based supportive services, behavioral health therapy, legal services, hotline counseling, community education, advocacy and technical assistance. For more information, visit www.womenagainstabuse.org.
About Domestic Violence Awareness MonthFor 34 years, domestic violence advocates have gathered in October to remember victims and celebrate survivors of domestic violence. In 1989, Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) became officially recognized by Congress. Philadelphia City Council will proclaim October as DVAM in Philadelphia on Thursday, October 7th during their virtual session at Philadelphia City Hall. For more information about DVAM, visit www.nrcdv.org/dvam.