Wear Purple on October 16th for Domestic Violence Awareness

It’s more than just a statement. It’s reality.

The chance of one of your female loved ones falling victim is one in three. And if your loved one is a male, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence says one in fourteen men has been physically assaulted by a current or former spouse, cohabiting partner, boyfriend/girlfriend or date at some point in their lives. Even if directly you are not aware of a loved one being victimized, chances are incredibly great that a friend, co-worker, or acquaintance has been or is a victim of domestic violence.

It is because of that alone that everyone has a responsibility to not only be informed, but to work to break the cycle of violence in our communities. One small step you can take is participating in October activities as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

In October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. That same year the first national toll-free hotline was begun. In 1989 the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month Commemorative Legislation was passed by the U.S. Congress. Such legislation has passed every year since.

Locally, to observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I am asking people to wear a purple ribbon during the entire month of October to show their support to stopping violence. Law enforcement officers across Grant County are taking that stand already by wearing a purple ribbon as part of their uniforms.

The Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence is asking that employees at businesses across the state don a purple ribbon on Oct. 16 and publicize their efforts with a selfie to post on Twitter and ICADV’s website. Tweet to ICADV at @INCADV or email it to icadv@icadvin.org

For those who take the challenge, please also send those selfies to Hands of Hope/Family Service Society, Inc. locally by tweeting it to @fam_services or email it to lwilk@famservices.com.

If you would like purple ribbons to wear, you can contact me at lwilk@famservices.com and I can provide them for you at the front desk at Family Service Society, Inc., 101 S. Washington St., Marion, IN.

In addition, encourage your employees and co-workers to attend the annual Hands of Hope Candlelight Vigil at 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 30 at St. James Lutheran Church, 1206 N. Miller Ave., Marion, where again those in attendance will hear how domestic violence is personal. Because as I will continue to say, it takes every one of us to take domestic violence prevention seriously in order for it to end. We must all work to Lead with Respect. Stand with Respect and Live with Respect. 

For questions about domestic violence, contact our 24-hour helpline at 765-664-0701.