CHENANGO COUNTY – As a way of observing Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October, more than 20 local Chenango County businesses are participating in the first ever Help Restore Hope Self-Care and Wellness Fair on Friday, October 20.

Nearly one out of every four women in the United States are victims of severe intimate partner violence, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A release on behalf the Chenango County provider of domestic violence and sexual assault services, Liberty Resources Help Restore Hope Center, states, "Women are much more likely to be victims of intimate partner violence, with 85 percent of domestic abuse victims being women. Violence of any kind––physical, sexual, psychological, or verbal––is never justified."

"Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a time to recognize the courage of people who have said 'no' to violence and to spread awareness about domestic violence emergency shelters and services life,” said Joanne Smith, Liberty Resources Help Restore Hope Center's Clinical Program Supervisor.

More than 20 local businesses will be at the fair on October 20 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the Norwich Fire Department's third floor offering attendees an opportunity to visit and shop with a wide variety of services, including some free samples, free manicures, free massages, free acupuncture and more.

“We are passionate about hosting our first Self-Care and Wellness Fair to bring awareness of Domestic Violence Awareness month," said Jennifer Price, Help Restore Hope Center Chenango County Advocate. "We want this event to bring together the community in hopes of ending the cycles of abuse, neglect, and sadness."