The world’s problems can often seem overwhelming. Even on just one issue, such as domestic violence, the numbers can seem daunting. Here in Pennsylvania, in one day in 2014, nearly 2,500 victims were served by domestic violence organizations — and over 250 requests for services were unmet. Yet there is something that each of us can do to help and to make a difference. One person can touch the lives of those around them with small actions, whether they are words or deeds.

When it comes to gender-based violence, the news is often overwhelming: another sexual assault, another domestic violence-related murder-suicide, another instance of a child killing herself after being relentlessly bullied online. It’s hard to imagine what you can do to make a difference. But in fact, we all can be part of the change needed to end this violence, in ways that can be as simple as talking about these issues. At our 40th Anniversary donor event in November, we

To many in our community, October is a month for visiting pumpkin patches and apple orchards, viewing the gorgeous changing leaves, and preparing for Halloween. But for those of us whose lives have been affected by domestic violence, October has a different meaning: a time to raise awareness for domestic violence. This month, we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month and we ask you to participate to help us reach our goals of raising awareness and ultimately ending the

Last week, in response to the news that multiple female employees of Fox News had accused Roger Ailes of sexual harassment, Donald Trump told USA Today that if his daughter Ivanka were sexually harassed at work, she would “find another career or another company.” His son Eric then commented that Ivanka is “strong” and “powerful” and wouldn’t “allow herself” to be sexually harassed. These statements are both preposterous and offensive. As with all gender-based forms of ab

When you think of Father’s Day, what comes to mind? Meat on the grill, beer in the fridge, and gifts of bad ties and golf clubs? But Father’s Day doesn’t have to be limited to just that…what if we changed that standard view of Father’s Day with a new version, where fathers come together to help end gender violence? This year, we are asking you to help us achieve that mission by signing the Father’s Day Pledge. Based on Jackson Katz’s Pledge to End Gender Violence, this pled

We’ve all heard the jokes, or perhaps the mean-spirited barbs about someone “getting what they deserve” in prison. Each year, 216,000 adult and juvenile inmates are sexually assaulted, compared to 238,000 people living outside of prison. Sexual assault in America’s penal system is far too common, and disproportionately impacts gay and transgender inmates. It includes any rape or sexual assault that occurs in prison, whether it is committed by an inmate or a staff member. Th

Maybe you have heard a little bit about this new group in the community called FAB. Maybe you've been curious but were not sure what to ask. Maybe you were not sure if you were welcome to just invite yourself. Well, here's your formal invitation to find out, ask more, and come join us. Because we are looking for a few new people to join our group! So, what is FAB? Roughly two years ago, Blackburn Center received a grant from The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County’s g

It’s that time of year again! Time to dust off your favorite high heels (or sneakers! Or roller skates!), get out your markers and poster board, and walk a mile in her shoes! Our 2015 Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event will take place on April 18, 2015 at St. Clair Park in Greensburg — register here! Since 2010, Blackburn Center has hosted its signature event, Walk a Mile in Her Shoes®. This walk is Westmoreland County’s march to stop rape, sexual assault and all forms of gende

Last week, we highlighted the prevalence of dating violence among teenagers — and now, we’d like to talk about a problem that affects a different generation: the elderly. Elder abuse is a serious issue in this country, affecting some of our most vulnerable citizens. Each year, between 1.6 and 2 million seniors become victims of abuse and neglect. With our rapidly aging population, elder abuse is poised to become an even bigger problem — and one we must address head-on if

Singer Cee-Lo Green recently made headlines after pleading no contest to supplying a woman with Ecstasy; these charges arose from an incident where the same woman claimed that he spiked her drink, and that she woke up naked in his room. She immediately went to the police, and recorded a phone call with the singer where he admitted giving her the drug. Green maintains that the sex was consensual. But it was what Cee-Lo did after his plea deal that really raised eyebrows: he

At Blackburn Center, we are actively seeking ways to get men involved in our mission of ending gender violence. We believe that by working with men, we can help to build new models of masculinity and manhood which reject gender violence and help to build respect for women. We invite the men of Westmoreland County and beyond to educate themselves about how to stop violence — not only by refusing to participate, but by challenging other men who do participate in it and by cha

Sexual violence can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status. The one thing that all victims of sexual assault have in common? It’s not their fault. Ever. Rape is a crime of violence and control. A victim does not provoke it by dressing in a certain way, drinking or using drugs, or being on a date with the perpetrator. The only person at fault for a rape is the rapist him or herself. A lack of injuries or a fail