Continuing a call for assistance and protection of women, the Chester County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) led a winter holiday project, Lights On for the Holidays, to benefit the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County (DVCCC). Joined by women's service sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha-Iota Tau Omega and WSFS, members of the CCSO provided donations to help provide electricity at safe houses and offices of DVCCC.

Throughout the year, one role of deputies at the CCSO is to serve Protection From Abuse orders, which are intended to provide protective relief by prohibiting abusers from contacting survivors and their children. Sometimes, survivors are forced to leave their homes for safety and end up at an emergency shelter or transitional home. Although men are sometimes abused, the majority of survivors are women.

Dolly Wideman-Scott, CEO of DVCCC, noted that survivors often face a life-threatening dilemma: stay with the abuser or become homeless. They may not have the money or established credit to pay for mortgage or rent, utilities, food and other basic necessities.

DVCCC offers an emergency shelter, transitional housing and independent housing.

For more information, call DVCCC's 24-hour, free hotline at 610-431-1430. Anyone in immediate danger should call or text 911.