On Wednesday, October 11 at 5:00 p.m., on the steps of the Lycoming County Courthouse the YWCA Northcentral PA is hosting its annual vigil of remembrance to honor the 15 adults and children who have lost their lives to domestic violence in Lycoming County.

“Our annual vigil is a time for the YWCA to recognize the very real, and very dangerous, issue of domestic violence,” said Amber Morning, YWCA Wise Options Program Co-Director. “Those we remember at the vigil were parents, children and friends and they’re names deserve to be remembered.”

Lycoming County Chief Detective William Weber will be the keynote speaker at the vigil and the public will be invited to speak. “This is an opportunity to remember a friend or a loved one, or for a survivor to speak out their struggle with violence. Trained advocates will be on site for anyone needing support.”

Later in the month, on Tuesday, October 24 at 5:30 p.m. at the YWCA is hosting a “What Would You Do” interactive round table discussion open to the public.

“This round table discussion will put real skills into the hands of the public. We will focus on how to respond to a friend or loved one you think is experiencing abuse, how to intervene if you see a violent situation, how employers can care for staff who disclose they are struggling with abuse and more,” Morningstar said.

The YWCA’s Wise Options program provides 24/7 emergency services to all those seeking to escape a physically, emotionally, financially or sexually abusive relationship.