Community Unites for Peace from DV Walk
On Saturday, Sept. 12, community members came together at the Church of the Covenant in Washington for Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern PA’s annual Peace from DV Walk — a morning filled with hope, movement, and a shared commitment to creating safer communities.
This year’s “Paint the Town Purple” theme brought survivors, supporters, families, friends, community partners, volunteers, and local organizations together to raise awareness about domestic violence and show survivors throughout Washington, Greene, and Fayette counties that they are not alone.
Most importantly, the community showed up in an incredible way.
Thanks to your generosity, we raised more than $19,000 to support DVSSP’s free and confidential services for survivors of domestic violence.
Every donation, sponsorship, fundraising team, raffle ticket, and contribution helped make that possible. Funds raised through the Walk help DVSSP continue providing safe housing, therapy, legal advocacy, housing assistance, mobile advocacy, and other critical services while supporting our work to prevent domestic violence and build healthier, safer communities.
A new way to move together for peace
One of the highlights of this year’s event was the debut of Peace in Motion, a community dance created especially for the Peace from DV Walk.
Just before walkers took their first steps through Washington, participants gathered together to dance to “Just Fine” by Mary J. Blige. No dance experience was necessary — the goal was simply to move together in solidarity with survivors.
Peace in Motion was designed to be inclusive of all ages and abilities, with movements that could be modified while seated or standing. What resulted was a joyful and powerful reminder of what can happen when a community chooses to stand together.
Every step represented hope. Every movement represented our belief in a future free from violence. And every person who participated helped send a message that our community chooses safety, respect, healing, and peace.
Following the dance, participants set out together for the annual Walk, turning the streets purple and raising their voices in support of survivors.
The morning also included music, kids’ activities, raffle baskets, a 50/50 drawing, refreshments, and opportunities to connect with local businesses and community organizations.
Thank you for walking with us
An event like the Peace from DV Walk is only possible because of the people and organizations who believe in its purpose.
DVSSP extends our heartfelt gratitude to every person who walked, donated, volunteered, formed a fundraising team, sponsored the event, hosted a community table, contributed an in-kind donation, shared our posts, or simply helped spread the word.
We are especially grateful to our 2026 Presenting Sponsor, NPL, as well as all of the businesses and organizations whose sponsorships helped make the event possible.
Whether you danced with us, walked beside us, donated from afar, volunteered behind the scenes, or encouraged someone else to get involved, you were part of this day.
The Peace from DV Walk may last only one morning, but the impact of your support continues throughout the year.
Together, we are empowering survivors, raising awareness, and creating safer communities.
Thank you for walking — and moving — with us toward peace.
Photo Gallery
A heartfelt thank you to Mike Skubovius of Skubo Creative for capturing these great memories from the day!
