By LAURA JAMESON ljameson@lockhaven.com
LOCK HAVEN - The Clinton County Commissioners are once again shining a light on an unfortunately common issue its residents, and those nationwide, face year-round.
During its voting session Thursday, the board unanimously proclaimed October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Clinton County.
According to the proclamation, in the 2024-2025 fiscal year, local shelter Roads to Peace, served 362 men, women and their dependent children, 18 self-identifying LGBTQ+ people, 90 individuals with disabilities and provided 1,815 hours of counseling, advocacy and support to victims of domestic violence.
The non-profit, located in downtown Lock Haven, also received 440 hotline calls and provided emergency safe shelter to 50 survivors for a total of 1,903 nights of shelter.
Commissioner Angela Harding, who read the proclamation, provided further statistics regarding domestic violence in the county.
Harding said each month the commissioners meet with the heads of each department, including the department of emergency services - directed by Jon Plessinger.
Plessinger provides the board data and statistics related to major humanitarian issues residents face. One of those numbers is domestic violence calls by month, which is then tracked annually, she said.
"Just for September, our 911 center received 40 calls of domestic violence - that's over one call per day," Harding said.
Year-to-date in 2025, the 911 center has received a total of 364 domestic violence calls in the county.
"I just ask that people pay attention. Domestic violence often goes unrecognized and undetected," she said. "While we don't like to involve ourselves in people's personal lives, sometimes it's necessary to show love and concern."
The board heard from Rayne Burgin, prevention education & outreach medical advocate at Roads to Peace, about the importance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
"While we're thinking about domestic violence 24/7 at Roads to Peace, it gives the opportunity for the community to put special attention on recognizing domestic violence," Burgin said. "Even though it is only a month, it is important to remember that domestic violence affects people year round and it doesn't stop and wait until October."
Burgin explained that a sense of community is crucial for those who are facing domestic violence, where their abuser often looks to isolate them from loved ones to have full control over them.
"However, you are not alone," Burgin said.
She noted Roads to Peace's 24/7 hotline, which is free and confidential, can be reached at 570-748-9509.
"You can call us if you just want to talk about what you're experiencing, even if you aren't ready to leave. Or if you know someone and you want to know how best to help them," she said. "This topic is for everyone to discuss."
Burgin invited all community members to Road to Peace's annual Domestic Violence Vigil, held in Triangle Park on Friday, Oct. 24, at 6 p.m., to honor those in the community lost to domestic violence.
"It would mean a lot to me if you could stop by," she said.
Those who can't attend the vigil are able to see Roads to Peace's display, which will be set up at 10 a.m. that day.
