Diversity Commission & LAWS to co-host domestic violence awareness

The Leesburg Diversity Commission and LAWS Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services will co-host a ceremony commemorating Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The event will be held beginning at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, on the Town Green in front of Leesburg Town Hall located at 25 West Market Street. The ceremony will feature several guest speakers, including Mayor Kelly Burk, Chief of Police Thea Pirnat, and representatives from the Diversity Commission and LAWS.

Several organizations, including the Loudoun County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, Ashiyanaa, Legal Services of Northern Virginia, and Good Shepherd of Northern Virginia, will staff resource tables. There will be a candlelight ceremony and moment of silence at the conclusion of the ceremony to remember victims of domestic violence.

It is the second consecutive year that the Diversity Commission and LAWS have co-hosted this ceremony.

“We invite the community to join us to honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Last year’s ceremony was incredibly moving and impactful. However you are impacted by domestic violence—as a survivor, a friend or loved one of a survivor or victim, or even as an ally—we invite you to join us for what promises to be a powerful evening,” stated Diversity Commission Chair Lisa Marie Horvatinovich. 

In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved inside Town Hall.

Throughout the month of October, the Town Green will be illuminated purple in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The mission of the Diversity Commission is to help foster diversity and inclusion within the community at large. More information about the Commission can be found at https://www.leesburgva.gov/government/boards-and-commissions/diversity-commission.

 A nonprofit organization based in Leesburg, LAWS Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services provides comprehensive services to all adult, youth and child victims of domestic and sexual violence. In addition to providing emergency shelter, LAWS’ Community Services Center offers therapy, legal services, support groups, advocacy, and community outreach. More information about LAWS can be found at: https://lcsj.org/laws.