Love isn’t violence, says Pace Women’s Justice Center campaign 

In anticipation of Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, the Pace Women’s Justice Center (PWJC) in White Plains has kicked off its “Love Isn’t” campaign for the second year. The focus of the campaign is to engage teenagers and young adults in a conversation of what “Love Isn’t” – insulting, threatening, gaslighting, controlling or assaulting.  

According to the Center for Disease Control National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS), females 18 to 34 experience the highest rates of intimate partner violence. Up to 20% of both boys and girls, between the ages of 11 to 17 years old, experience some form of physical violence or stalking. That means the key to prevention is providing earlier education, awareness and having conversations about what “Love Isn’t” with teens and college students. PWJC is dedicated to mainstreaming information on how to identify if you are in an unhealthy or abusive relationship and how to get help.  

Said PWJC Executive Director Cindy Kanusher: “Intimate partner violence is a pervasive problem affecting women and men at alarming rates. Education and conversation are critical tools for prevention and intervention on this issue. This is especially important for young individuals as they formulate an understanding of what love feels and looks like. PWJC is dedicated to providing critical educational resources and sparking dialogue among our community. The “Love Isn’t” campaign carries an empowering message that recognizes and celebrates real love – not…abusive behaviors. We are greatly inspired by the engagement around the “Love Isn’t” campaign and aim to bring greater awareness toward intimate partner violence this year through ongoing social media and outreach initiatives.”  

On Feb. 12, PWJC will present the “Love Isn’t” campaign at the Pace University Wellbeing Fair, featuring 70-plus information tables hosted by members of the Pace community and more. Campaign outreach will also feature work with Ardsley High School, including participation in its Wellness Fair for students, as well as making presentations to all seniors during their government class. The PWJC outreach team is actively preparing additional events in the campaign across Westchester and Putnam counties. These events will focus on sharing key information and engaging discussions with community audiences.  

Throughout the campaign, culminating on Valentine’s Day, PWJC is asking its followers and supporters to join in sharing a post or video across social media platforms. Participants are encouraged to express what love is to them. This may be a single word, a feeling, an action or an experience. All are invited to share their take on what healthy love means.  

PWJC is also offering a collection of merchandise featuring the “Love Isn’t” graphic on T-shirts, hoodies, tote bags and ceramic mugs at Bonfire/Shop/PWJC. PWJC is accepting donations to support this campaign and additional programming in the spring.  

For more, visit PWJC.