LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - The 2nd annual Domestic Violence Awareness Vigil will be held Wednesday, October 28 at 6:30 p.m. in front of Russell Hall on the LHU main campus. This event, which is open to all members of the LHU campus and local community, is sponsored by LHU’s HOPE (Haven Outreach Program for Empowerment) Center and the Women’s Coalition, a student organization on campus dedicated to developing programs about women’s issues and to fostering positive recognition and understanding of women on campus.

The sponsors see the vigil as an important opportunity to educate the campus and local community about the reality of domestic violence. Current statistics regarding domestic violence in the United States are alarming: Four women die per day as a result of domestic violence. Thirty-seven percent of women seen in emergency rooms in this country are there as a result of domestic violence. And domestic violence remains the leading cause of death to pregnant women. Please join us in honoring the victims and survivors of domestic violence.

The vigil will feature performances by the LHU Gospel Choir. Presenters will include Deborah Erickson, LHU provost and vice president of academic affairs; Tulare Park of the LHU Academic Development and Counseling Services; the Distinguished Gentlemen, a student group on campus; Dr. Laurie Cannady, LHU faculty member; and students from the Women’s Coalition. There will also be an open microphone available for those who wish to share their thoughts and experiences relating to domestic violence. The vigil will conclude with a short candle-lit walk through campus. Refreshments will be served.

For more information, please contact Dr. Elizabeth Gruber at (570) 484-2858 or the LHU HOPE Center at (470) 484-2111.