The Upper Perkiomen Domestic Violence Task Force is a community-based coalition of agencies and individuals dedicated to the elimination of domestic violence through advocacy, intervention and education.
The Task Force is a program of The Open Link designed to provide a coordinated, community response in ending domestic violence. Our list of programs and presentations include Dating Violence Education (for adolescents), Domestic Violence Education (for adults), and Bystander Education (for everyone). All presentations can be tailored to fit the needs of your group or organization.
Current Task Force Members include:
- Community & Health Organizations – Grand View Hospital, Upper Perkiomen Business & Professional Women, Upper Perkiomen School District, Upper Perkiomen Valley Ministerial Association, and Individual Community Members.
- Law Enforcement – Marlborough Police Department, PA State Police, Skippack Barracks, Upper Perk Police Department, Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, Montgomery County Office of Adult Probation, and Montgomery County Office of Juvenile Probation.
- Legal Network – District Court 38-2-02 and Mullaney Law Offices.
- Social Service Agencies – Laurel House, Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth, The Open Link, SAFE Project, Creative Health Services, Women’s Center of Montgomery County, and Youth & Family Services.
You’re invited to join our efforts to end domestic violence in the Upper Perkiomen Valley. UPDVTF meet on the third Monday of February, April, June, August, October, and December at 8:00 am at The Open Link. All are welcome. This month’s meeting is Monday, December 21st, and will be held at the Pennsburg Borough Building.
For more information about this program, please contact Linda at (215) 679-4112 or by e-mail at lindac@theopenlink.org.
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Month
The UPDVTF is grateful to Alaina Landis, a senior at Upper Perkiomen High School, for helping raise awareness about the issue of teen dating violence. Thank you for your time, energy, and efforts. Below is a copy of a letter to the editor that was written by Alaina and published in the February 7, 2013 edition of the Town & Country Newspaper.
Letter to the Editor,
February, a month most people associate with Valentine’s Day, also is designated as National Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Month. Despite common misconceptions, dating violence is a serious problem affecting youth in every community. Nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a partner every year, but only 33% of those teens speak up.
As a seventeen-year-old female who is preparing to graduate high school, I find it relevant now more than ever the need to understand what a healthy relationship should be. Education is the key to ending dating violence, and so we need to start talking about it. As a student at UPHS, I chose to complete my community service project at The Open Line. My goal was to raise awareness about teen dating violence and Linda Connell, Interim Executive Director, served as my mentor.
Under Linda’s guidance, I created and presented a program to health classes at the UP Middle School. The program was called, “Healthy Relationships: Teenager Ties.” The students responded well to the program, but it made me realize that we need adults to understand the issues, too. Thus, I am asking for your help in raising awareness about teen dating violence.
Would you recognize the signs? Would you know what to say or how to help? Action steps can be taken: Visit www.loveisrespect.org for information about teen dating violence. For information about The Open Link, please contact Linda at (215) 679-4112 or email lindac@theopenlink.org.
Alaina Landis

Upper Perkiomen High School, Class of 2013
The Upper Perkiomen Domestic Violence Task Force Celebrates 20 Years of Collaboration
Twenty years ago a collaborative was formed to address the issue of Domestic Violence in our community. Over the years we have focused on awareness activities, outreach, training opportunities, special projects and fund raising. We have strengthened the safety network within the Upper Perkiomen Valley knowing that the solution to ending violence is a community responsibility.
The work that we do follows the basic principle of safety for victims and accountability for offenders. Please click here to view a list of our highlights and accomplishments.
Past and present Task Force members attended The Open Line’s Community Partnership Breakfast in April 2012 where they were recognized for their exemplary dedication and years of service.