CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — WIN Victim Services is encouraging residents to wear purple, share messages of support and visit participating coffee shops Oct. 15 as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
The organization’s Purple Thursday activities aim to raise awareness of domestic violence and show survivors they have community support. Franklin County commissioners proclaimed October Domestic Violence Awareness Month and encouraged residents to participate in events organized by WIN and other groups working to end abuse.
Residents can participate by wearing purple clothing or accessories and posting photos on Facebook or Instagram, tagging @WINFranklinFulton.
Brio Coffeehouse locations in Greencastle and Waynesboro and Standard in Chambersburg will offer special Purple Thursday coffee sleeves. WIN encourages customers to share photos and use the occasion to start conversations about domestic violence and support for survivors.
Throughout October, WIN also hangs purple ribbons in local communities to raise awareness and express support for people affected by abuse.
“This is still a pervasive problem and is an issue that affects individuals and families in our community,” said Barb Channing, executive director of WIN Victim Services.
One in four women and one in seven men will experience domestic violence during their lifetimes, according to the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence. WIN’s announcement also noted that 106 people died in domestic violence incidents in Pennsylvania in 2024.
“High rates of domestic violence are not private, individual problems; they require community solutions. By acknowledging this reality, we can collectively work toward ending domestic violence and creating safe, healthy communities for everyone,” Channing said.
Founded in 1976 as Women in Need, WIN has spent 50 years serving victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Franklin and Fulton counties. The organization changed its name to WIN Victim Services to better reflect its work with women, men and children.
The nonprofit serves approximately 1,500 victims annually and receives more than 1,900 calls to its emergency hotline each year, according to the organization.
WIN provides free, confidential services, including emergency shelter, counseling, legal and medical advocacy, prevention education and a 24-hour hotline. It also manages the Franklin County Victim Witness Services Program.
Help is available through WIN’s 24-hour hotline at 717-264-4444 or 800-621-6660. More information is available at winservices.org
