The Domestic Violence Center of Chester County (DVCCC) is observing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This year is particularly significant, as DVCCC aided 1,886 survivors of domestic violence in Chester County, the highest number of survivors the organization has ever served in a year.

DVCCC will celebrate Domestic Violence Awareness Month with the third annual Light the Night for Hope and Healing events on Thursday, Oct. 10, at 6:45 p.m. at sites across Chester County, including the Historic Chester County Courthouse, Schuylkill Township Municipal Grounds, Kennett Borough Hall and the gazebo in downtown Coatesville. These events will feature presentations from local leaders and officials to honor those who have lost their lives to domestic violence and to stand together to let those still living in fear know that they are not alone.

In its ninth year, DVCCC's "Paint the Town Purple" campaign aims to raise awareness by hanging purple ribbons throughout West Chester, Coatesville, Phoenixville, Kennett Square, Oxford and Downingtown. Since its inception, the campaign has expanded to include the boroughs of Malvern and Parkesburg, as well as the Lincoln University, Immaculata University and West Chester University campuses.

Local libraries will feature book and resource displays all month long, including at the Spring City, Coatesville, Downingtown, Avon Grove and West Chester public libraries.

Awareness ribbon bumper magnets will be placed on vehicles from local police departments and the Chester County Sheriff's Office.

Shelter dogs at the Brandywine Valley SPCA will don purple bandanas as part of the "Paint the Shelter Purple" initiative.

DVCCC's hotline will be featured on to-go cup sleeves at local coffee shops, including Dia Doce and Saxbys in West Chester, Mary Pat's Provisions in Kennett Square, Soltane in Phoenixville and all County Cup locations.

For more information, visit http://www.dvcccpa.org/dvam.