Peace Begins at Home

The world can feel chaotic, and feeling overwhelmed is completely normal. You might even question whether one person can have an influence on such big issues.  Yet meaningful change often begins in the smallest places – our families, our communities, and our daily interactions. Those small actions, when multiplied, become powerful.

This is especially true when it comes to gender-based violence. Gender-based violence happens when someone is targeted or harmed because of their gender. It shows up in many forms, including, but not limited to, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking. No one is immune – it affects individuals of all identities and backgrounds.

Gender-based violence is a widespread issue. In 2024, within one single day in Pennsylvania, 3,184 survivors and victims of domestic violence were served by agencies like Blackburn Center. The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV) reports that 1 in 3 women and nearly 1 in 4 men in the United States will experience intimate partner violence, sexual violence, or stalking in their lifetimes.

These numbers can feel frightening — but we are not powerless. Small choices in our daily lives can help create safer, healthier communities. Peace can, and should, start at home.

How Peace Can Begin in Your Home

If you want to make a difference, there are many ways to get involved. One simple step is supporting Blackburn Center’s mission. You can volunteer, donate items to our shelter, contribute financially to our programs, or join one of our committees.

You can also take actions in your own life to help prevent gender-based violence. For example:

• Learn about different forms of abuse.  The more you know about different types of abuse, the more you can recognize harmful behaviors in yourself and others This may mean unlearning common myths — like the false idea that domestic violence is caused by “anger issues.”

• Commit to treating others with respect.  Choose not to engage in physical, emotional, or verbal abuse. If you notice harmful behavior in yourself, seeking help — such as therapy — is a strong and important step.

• Talk openly with the children in your life.  Have discussions on topics like consent, boundaries, healthy communication, and respect. Model the kind of behavior you want them to learn.

• Be mindful of the media you consume. If the content in shows, movies, and/or books you choose regularly often portrays women in objectifying or demeaning ways, consider whether they align with your personal values.

• Learn more and share what you know. Blackburn Center strives to educate and raise awareness throughout the community. We offer a number of educational and training programs for schools, workplaces, community groups, religious organizations, and more.

“Peace begins at home” is a simple idea, but it has the power to make a real difference. No single person can solve gender-based violence alone — but when all of us commit to small, meaningful changes in our own lives and families, lasting change becomes possible.

If you or someone you know needs help, Blackburn Center is here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call our hotline anytime at 1-888-832-2272 (TDD available). Your call is free and can be anonymous.