Crime Victims Council

10/09/2026

Every October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month calls on us to look closer at the epidemic of abuse that is too often overlooked or simply tolerated.

Abuse isn't always physical—coercive control, isolation, and psychological aggression cause lasting damage. Healing and prevention take an entire community looking out for one another.

Here in the Lehigh Valley, Turning Point of Lehigh Valley and Crime Victims Council (CVC) work side-by-side to ensure every survivor has access to care—whether that means 24/7 crisis shelter, safety planning, court advocacy, or long-term trauma counseling.

Swipe through to learn the warning signs, grounded ways to support a loved one, and how to connect with local support. 💜

📌 Save this post to keep these crisis numbers accessible, and share to spread awareness across our community.

10/07/2026

Thank you, Mack Trucks!

We are grateful to Mack Trucks for investing back into the community and supporting CVC’s mission. Yesterday, we received a $2,500 donation made possible by Mack’s Lehigh Valley Operations Community Fund.

Thank you for supporting survivors across the Lehigh Valley!

10/07/2026

💜 | You Belong Here

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Whether in classrooms, workplaces, online spaces, or our daily lives, everyone deserves to exist without fear of harm, exclusion, or intimidation.

Your worth is not defined by how others treat you. You have the right to be treated with dignity, to set clear boundaries, and to surround yourself with people who value who you truly are.

💬 If you or a young person in your life is navigating bullying or harassment, CVC is here to provide guidance, resources, and support.

10/03/2026

09/30/2026

🛡️ | Your Safety Matters

As students across the Lehigh Valley head back to college campuses and classrooms, we want to share a grounded reminder: your safety, boundaries, and autonomy are non-negotiable.

Trusting your instincts is an act of self-advocacy. You always have the right to say no, set clear boundaries, seek support, and exist in spaces where you feel respected and secure.

📍 CVC provides free, confidential advocacy and counseling services for campus communities across the region.

✈️ Send this to a college student or educator in the comments to share this reminder!

09/28/2026

⚠️ Content Warning: This post discusses allegations of sexual assault, drug-facilitated sexual violence, and trauma.

In September 2026, a civil lawsuit brought national attention to allegations that seven Cornell fraternity members drugged and sexually assaulted a fellow student in 2024. The survivor reported the incident, endured the aftermath, and ultimately chose to leave the university.

When allegations like this surface, public concern too often shifts to what an accused person stands to lose—their degree, their reputation, or their "promising future." But sexual violence fundamentally alters a survivor's life, too. Leaving school, changing routines, losing friendships, and rebuilding a sense of safety are all real costs survivors carry while the world debates what is "fair" for the accused.

Survivors don't owe anyone a perfect response or timeline for their trauma to matter. Real culture change requires us to ask different questions: Are we stepping up as bystanders? Are we listening when survivors disclose? And are we willing to care as much about a survivor's future as we do about protecting appearances?

📲 Swipe through to read more on bystander intervention, trauma responses, and taking collective action.

💜 If this story brings up something for you or you need someone to talk to, Crime Victims Council is here to listen. Contact us at 610-437-6611 for free, 24/7 confidential support.

09/25/2026

On the National Day of Remembrance of Homicide Victims, we honor those whose lives were cut short by acts of violence, and we stand beside the families and friends who carry their memory every day.

Navigating loss from a violent crime carries a unique weight, one that requires specialized care, trauma-informed support, and spaces where survivors can speak their truth without explanation.

Read our latest blog post for reflections on healing, details on CVC’s free counseling and Tree of Life Memorial pavers, and a comprehensive list of support resources for violent loss survivors.

09/23/2026

🕊️ | Honoring Their Memory

September 25th is the National Day of Remembrance for Homicide Victims. Today, we honor the memories of those whose lives were taken by violence, and we stand in solidarity with the families, friends, and communities left behind.

Grief after traumatic loss is complex and deeply personal. There is no timeline for healing, and every emotion you hold today is valid. We see you, we honor your loved ones, and we are here to support you.

🤍 CVC offers free, specialized grief support and counseling for surviving family members and loved ones.

09/16/2026

🌿 | Honoring Our Roots and Our Healing

From September 15 to October 15, we observe National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich cultures, vibrant histories, and enduring strength of Hispanic and Latino/a/x communities across the Lehigh Valley and beyond.

Healing is deeply personal, and the path looks different for everyone. Embracing your heritage and honoring your unique story are powerful steps toward reclaiming your peace. Whatever your journey looks like, your story matters, and your right to heal on your own terms is non-negotiable.

💬 Save this post as a daily reminder, or share it with someone in your community who needs a moment of encouragement today.

09/10/2026

September is Su***de Prevention Month, and today, September 10, marks World Su***de Prevention Day.

At Crime Victims Council, we know that the moment of trauma is not the whole story. For survivors of crime and violence, the impact often extends far beyond the incident itself. Compounding challenges like fear, isolation, and loss of safety can build over time—making it crucial that su***de prevention starts long before a crisis occurs.

Prevention happens when we build supportive environments where people feel safe, heard, believed, and connected. From shifting the language we use (such as saying "died by su***de" rather than "committed su***de") to opening up direct, compassionate conversations, every effort helps break down stigma and build hope.

If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available 24/7:
- Call or text 988 to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.
- Call 610-437-6611 for free, confidential support from Crime Victims Council of the Lehigh Valley.
- Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department if in immediate danger.

You are not to blame. You are not alone. And help is always here. 💜

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