Capital Area Transit (CAT) has announced it will feature three ads on buses throughout the summer to build awareness of the YWCA Greater Harrisburg Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) Program, which provides comprehensive crisis and counseling services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking in the greater Harrisburg community.
One in three women and one in four men have been victims of physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime, and nearly one in five women and one in seventy-one men have reported experiencing rape at some point in their lives.
“The YWCA Greater Harrisburg has a touch point of over 35,000 people each year, many of which are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and/or human trafficking. Individuals come to us during the most difficult time of their life and our staff works tirelessly to advocate for, educate, and assist them during their time of crisis. I’m thrilled that we have the opportunity to partner with CAT and it is my hope that anyone in need of services will know that they have a place to go,” said Mary Quinn, YWCA CEO.
The YWCA VIP programs provide comprehensive services including a 24-hour crisis hotline, individual and group counseling, support groups, emergency shelter and housing, legal services, medical and court accompaniments, and training and education. Services are available to victims and non-offending family members of all ages and genders and are free and confidential.
“Capital Area Transit, the capital area’s leading transit agency, is an intricate part of the social fabric of our greater Harrisburg community,” CAT spokesperson Robert Philbin said.
“CAT buses provide safe spaces for anyone in need of safety from domestic violence of any kind. Simply get on a CAT bus, inform the bus operator that you are seeking a safe place from domestic violence, and Capital Area Transit will transport you to a safe place like the YWCA Greater Harrisburg for assistance.” Philbin added.
The YWCA AD Campaign features three panel bus Advertisements that will run on CAT buses around the area from July through October. The Ads highlight YWCA services and 24-hour crisis hotline, and cite unfortunate but true domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking statistics.
