PALM COAST, Fla. — Survivors, service providers, law enforcement representatives and community partners gathered at Daytona State College’s Palm Coast Campus for Family Life Center’s sixth annual Rise Up: Against Domestic Violence conference, launching a month dedicated to awareness, education and action.

Led by CEO Dr. Trish Giaccone, Family Life Center brought attendees together for three sessions focused on domestic violence, survivor support and the shared responsibility of creating safer communities.

“Ending domestic violence isn’t the work of one organization, profession, or person; it takes a community willing to learn, listen, collaborate, and take action,” Family Life Center shared in a statement following the event. “And today, Flagler County showed up.”

The conference created opportunities for meaningful conversations among survivors and professionals while connecting attendees with information and resources. Roundtable speakers, session presenters, vendors and community partners contributed their experience and knowledge to the day’s programming.

Sheriff Rick Staly and Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Services Division Chief Augie Rodriguez helped open the conference by participating in a roundtable discussion.

Additional workshops addressed how community members can recognize concerns, respond compassionately and support survivors.

Chaplain Ed Reistetter led a faith-centered discussion about domestic violence, focusing on how members of faith communities can respond appropriately with care and compassion.

Detective Hayleigh Prentiss presented practical online safety strategies, including steps victims can take to document and report cyberstalking. Her session also highlighted available resources and opportunities for community awareness and action.

Sheriff’s Office victim advocates were on hand to provide attendees with information and resources.

“Together, we can end domestic violence,” the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office shared in its statement about the conference.

Family Life Center thanked the speakers, presenters, partners, vendors and attendees whose participation made the event possible, emphasizing the importance of continuing those conversations throughout Domestic Violence Awareness Month and beyond.

Residents have additional opportunities to show their support during October.

Family Life Center is encouraging community members to paint their nails purple as a visible expression of solidarity with survivors. Participants are invited to get creative with their designs, share photographs on social media and use the hashtag #DVAM2026 to help raise awareness and remind survivors they are not alone.

A fundraiser at Panera in Palm Coast on October 7 will also support Family Life Center’s work with survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault. A portion of sales between 4 and 8 p.m. will be donated to the organization.

Individuals and organizations interested in participating in next year’s Rise Up conference can contact info@flcfv.org.

Anyone who needs support, or knows someone who does, can call or text Family Life Center’s 24-hour hotline at 386-437-3505.

Featured photo courtesy of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR