City News & Updates

HUNTINGTON – One in every four women and one in seven men will be a victim of domestic violence in their lifetime. Local organizations that provide assistance to survivors want to let them know that there is help and hope.

Recognized nationally each October since 1987, Domestic Violence Awareness Month was launched to raise awareness of domestic violence issues and connect victims with the care, assistance and resources they need. Its primary focuses are supporting survivors, holding abusers accountable and updating legislation to further those goals, according to the National Council Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) website.

To help eliminate domestic violence in Huntington and support the important work of organizations like YWCA Northeast Indiana and the Huntington County Domestic Violence Task Force, the City of Huntington issued a proclamation on Wednesday, October 15. It calls on residents to learn the warning signs of domestic violence and play a role in supporting its victims in recovery.

YWCA Northeast Indiana, the Huntington County Domestic Violence Task Force and their partners work together to remove barriers that prevent victims from seeking help. Employment and financial concerns, housing stability, child custody issues and, in some cases, mental health and addiction can leave victims stuck in abusive relationships.

YWCA Northeast Indiana provides services such as financial, child care and housing assistance for domestic violence victims. Women, men, transgender individuals and families of all types can call a 24/7 Domestic Violence Crisis Line to get help. A crisis shelter also is available for individuals or families who need a safe place to stay.

Call (800) 441-4073 to reach the crisis line or if you are in need of safe shelter.

The YWCA also provides:

• Community-based advocates who work one-on-one with individuals who are experiencing domestic violence and need personalized help, including mental health and addiction counseling. Call (260) 424-4908 ext. 113 or email advocatecoords@ywcarew.org to speak with an advocate.
• A crisis shelter, advocacy services and therapy services for domestic violence survivors. Find more information at ywcanein.com.

These resources are always free and completely confidential. The YWCA of Northeast Indiana serves the Fort Wayne area, including Huntington. To learn more or make a donation, visit ywcanein.org/dvam.

2025 Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation

WHEREAS, the City of Huntington is committed to ending domestic violence, standing with victims and empowering survivors; and

WHEREAS, domestic violence inflicts lasting trauma on victims, endangers children and undermines the wellbeing of families; and

WHEREAS, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we reaffirm our commitment to prevention, accountability for perpetrators, and healing for all victims; and

WHEREAS, domestic violence can take many forms and affects people of every economic status, race, culture, generation, religion, and gender ; and

WHEREAS, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime; and

WHEREAS, witnessing violence between parents or caregivers is one of the strongest predictors of intergenerational cycles of abuse; and

WHEREAS, YWCA Northeast Indiana and the Huntington Domestic Violence Taskforce are dedicated to promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all through education on healthy relationships, advocacy for victims and survivors, and programs that support safety, independence, and long-term healing;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Richard Strick, Mayor of the City of Huntington, do hereby proclaim October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Huntington. I urge all residents to learn the signs of domestic abuse, support efforts to hold offenders accountable, and stand with survivors as they rebuild their lives.