Month Of October Declared Domestic Violence Month

Posted on by YSH-Admin

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 9, 2025

Bedford County Commissioners Declare October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Bedford, PA — At the Bedford County Commissioners meeting held on September 9, 2025, Your Safe Haven, Inc. presented and read a proclamation declaring the month of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month throughout Bedford County.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month serves as a reminder that domestic violence affects individuals and families in every community. It provides an important opportunity to honor survivors, remember those who have lost their lives, and raise awareness about the resources available to victims of abuse.

Your Safe Haven, Inc., Bedford County’s crime victim service center, works year-round to provide advocacy, counseling, emergency shelter, and support to individuals impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault and other crimes. The organization partners with local agencies, law enforcement, and community leaders to promote safety, healing, and justice.

“Domestic violence is not just a personal issue — it is a community issue,” said representatives from Your Safe Haven. “By standing together, raising awareness, and offering support, we can create a safer future for everyone.”

Throughout the month of October, Your Safe Haven will be hosting awareness events, educational programs, and community outreach activities to encourage prevention and support for survivors.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available 24/7. Please call Your Safe Haven’s confidential hotline at 814-623-5766 or 1-800-555-5671 (press 0 to speak with an advocate). If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Together, as a community, we can break the cycle of violence and support those who need it most.

 

WE ARE HIRING!

Posted on by yoursafehaven

JOB TITLE:  MEDICAL ADVOCATE

 

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:  EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:  Non-Exempt Status, 35 hours/week

STARTING SALARY RANGE:  $25,000   –   $35,000

 

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY: The Medical Advocate is responsible for the coordination of the organization’s Medical Advocacy Program with area hospitals, physicians, nurses, retirement homes and communities, nursing homes, counseling programs, and other social services organizations where applicable. This position is grant-funded. This position will provide back-up to Direct Services operations, be proficient in the PFA process from start to finish, and be a part of the on-call hotline schedule. This position may include evening and weekend hours.

 

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

 

  • Develop and present programming regarding trauma-informed services for domestic violence survivors, and sexual assault survivors, and other crisis information and referrals.
  • Provides training/outreach to hospitals, physicians’ offices, health centers, counseling centers, drug and alcohol treatment centers, and other similar facilities.
  • Develops presentations for health care settings on topics surrounding domestic violence, sexual assault, and relevant topics within those categories.
  • Assists with the implementation of human trafficking protocols at area hospitals.
  • Assists with updating hospital policies/procedures concerning domestic violence and sexual assault.
  • Review and revise all curriculum, handouts, and brochures on a semi-annual basis.
  • Conduct medical outreach efforts to offer community awareness programs throughout

Bedford County.

  • Work closely with the Outreach/Education Specialist on public awareness campaigns

and events.

  • Promote YSH through attendance at health and community fairs and participation in special community and agency events.
  • Participates in Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and other community events.
  • Develops screening protocols which can be done for domestic violence victims and victims of sexual assault at health fairs or similar public events.
  • Provides training/outreach to nursing home staff on topics related to domestic violence, sexual assault, and other relevant topics.
  • Collaborates with Area Agency on Aging to provide training, create a seamless referral system, and ensure non-duplication of services.
  • Attends staff meetings and in-service trainings.
  • Completes required PCAR and PCADV trainings.
  • Works with volunteers.
  • Participates, when needed, in the on-call rotation.
  • Other duties as may be required.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

  1. Bachelor’s Degree in Human Service-related field or 8 years’ experience.
  2. Must be knowledgeable of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other relevant issues and how those impact the Bedford County communities.
  3. Must have demonstrated ability to counsel in crisis situations and be skilled in support group facilitation.
  4. Must have the self-discipline to work independently and in a team setting.
  5. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.
  6. Must have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact professionally with diverse groups of individuals, including teens and children.
  7. Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, etc.
  8. Required to complete or have completed the mandatory training as required by YSH funding sources.
  9. Valid PA driver’s license and auto insurance and willingness to use personal vehicle for travel. May need to transport clients.
  10. FBI and Act 33/34 Clearances required.
  11. Must have flexible schedule.
  12. Knowledge of traumatic brain injury, human trafficking, and reproductive coercion.