Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

 

You guessed it; I'm wearing purple.  Does wearing purple end domestic violence? No. But when people see it, they remember  to talk about relationship abuse with their friends, employees, and children.

 

Sometimes it seems we have a dizzying array months, days, or weeks dedicated to causes.

Some are poignant or tragic:

          Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month (September)

          International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27)...

Some are important social issues:

           World AIDS Day (December 1)

           Adopt a Shelter Cat Month (June)  

Some are fun and frivolous:

           Bacon Day anyone ? (August 31)

 

But the reason for dedicating a distinct period of time to a cause is to provide us the opportunity to pause, think and take action to increase awareness. Often we care about an issue, but don't know what we can do to make a difference. Sometimes we're afraid that taking action would require too much commitment so we don't even try.

 

So here's my challenge. Throughout the month, my blog posts will include ideas on  actions you can take to increase awareness... and they'll be short-term and  achievable (you're busy... I get it).

So pick one or two  this month (or if you're an overachiever, pick one a day)... and take the time to do them.  YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE... even with your busy schedule.

 

Why?

• Because 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men are abused within an intimate relationship.
• Because domestic violence is the second most common crime in Saratoga County (and the second most common cause of homicide.)
• Because together we can END relationship abuse.

You could:

Wear purple and tell people why.

Let friends and colleagues know that domestic violence is an issue you care about. Ask the to join you in increasing awareness so we can have a community where no one lives in fear at home.

 

Donate a gift card to DVRC  so we can provide emergency assistance to a domestic violence survivor. 

Gift cards in any denomination from $5-$50 are always appreciated (recommended stores are Stewart’s (can be used for gas), WalMart, Target, Hannaford, Price Chopper, CVS (for needed over the counter medications and diapers). This is an item we welcome throughout the year because we give these to adults as emergency assistance for such items as gas when they are newly employed so they can get to work until they receive their first paycheck and for food when a family first moves out to independent, safe housing. We give these to persons in need to purchase items they may not be able to access otherwise, but  are crucial to their health & safety or transition plan.