Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a time for our community to learn, take action, and stand with survivors. Safe Haven of Pender serves survivors in Pender and Duplin Counties with confidential shelter, advocacy, safety planning, and connections to resources. If you or someone you know needs help, please call our 24/7 crisis line: 910-259-8989.
- 155 North Carolinians were victims of domestic-violence–related homicide in 2024 (up 14.8% from 2023).
- In 2023, 17.4% of all NC homicides were intimate partner violence–related; about 43% of homicides of women and 11% of homicides of men were IPV-related.
- At Safe Haven of Pender (Program Year 2024–2025):
- 507 total unduplicated clients (shelter & community)
- 2,574 support calls • 2,417 crisis calls
- 5,565 shelter nights (Adults: 46; Children: 59)
- Permanent Supportive Housing nights: 6,584 (Adults: 21; Children: 23)
- 1,834 referrals • $180,674.39 in resources provided
- 8,210.63 hours of service
DVAM Walk & Vigil — Thursday, October 16
Meet-up: 5:00 PM at Brown Dog Coffee (Burgaw)
Community Walk: 5:30 PM to Hankins Park
Candlelight Vigil: 6:00 PM at Hankins Park
Join us as we walk through downtown Burgaw to honor survivors and remember those lost to domestic violence in our communities. The vigil will include a reading of the names of lives lost to DV in our state, a song and reflections from community members. Wear purple to show support.
What to know: FREE and open to the public; family-friendly; wear comfortable shoes; candles/LED lights provided.
#ThinkBeforeYouSend Challenge
Date: October 17, 2025
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Location: Burgaw Middle School Gym, 500 S. Wright St., Burgaw, NC 28425
Safe Haven of Pender Inc. invites students and families to join us for the #ThinkBeforeYouSend Challenge—an evening of food, fun, and learning focused on staying safe and smart online.
This engaging event includes:
- 🍕 Free pizza and ice cream
- 🎥 A TikTok contest with the chance to win a gift card tree
- 👥 Breakout groups and interactive activities
- ✅ Opportunities to earn community service hours
Youth participants will explore how to navigate the digital world safely while showing off their creativity through the TikTok Challenge. Parental consent is required for participation; forms are available via QR code or at the event.
Angel Tree Project — Share Joy, Adopt an Angel
Help brighten the holidays for local survivors and their children. Last year, supporters provided personalized Christmas gifts for 42 families—more than 150 individuals.
Ways to participate
- Host an Angel Tree at your business (starting October 24, 2025).
- Sponsor a family or individual (we’ll send a confidential wish list).
- Give a financial gift to help fulfill wish lists and cover program costs.
Gift drop-off deadline: By 3:00 PM on Monday, November 24, 2025
Drop-off locations:
- Safe Haven Empowerment Center — 1411 Hwy 117, Burgaw, NC 28425
- Safe Haven Thrift Store — 16406 Hwy 17 N, Hampstead, NC 28443
Alternative delivery arrangements can be made upon request. Please return gifts unwrapped with the Angel tag attached; gift cards are welcome.
Call to action: Email info@safehavenofpender.com to:
- Become a Host Site
- Sponsor a Family / Individual
- Donate to the Angel Tree Fund
8th Annual Holiday Market — Saturday, November 1
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Tickets: $10 (advance)
Location: Haven Home & Safe Haven Thrift Store, 16406 Hwy 17 N, Hampstead, NC 28443
Kick off the season at our festive Holiday Market featuring curated décor, gifts, and one-day deals across both stores. Every purchase supports survivors through Safe Haven’s programs. Look for our Angel Tree on site and pick up an Angel tag while you shop.
Tickets now available at Safe Haven Thrift Store and Haven Home.
Funded In-Part By
Safe Haven of Pender empowers survivors of domestic violence to reclaim control and build self-sufficiency. Since 1988, we’ve provided shelter, advocacy, and resources while working to break the cycle of abuse, raise awareness, and hold abusers accountable.