October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a month to remember those who have died as a result of domestic violence, celebrate those who have survived, and connect those who work to end violence. Across the nation, individuals are wearing purple ribbons to signify their support in ending domestic violence – a crime that affects one in every four women.
In order to stop domestic violence, we must first see to it that every woman, man and child is aware of the problem. As a tool, the purple ribbon can help foster dialogue between those unaware of domestic violence and those greatly affected by it. The ribbon opens up an opportunity for people to break the silence, as well as educate others about domestic violence and what they can do to help end the cycle.
Along with Hubbard House, other domestic violence shelters, programs, and organizations use the purple ribbon as a visual message: violence has no place in our communities and among the lives of its citizens. Purple is also a symbol of hope, courage and compassion for those affected by domestic violence. People wearing purple ribbons let victims know someone cares about them, and that they want to help end domestic violence. Wearing your purple ribbon in public not only raises awareness, but also inspires more people to get involved.
There are many easy ways to display your purple ribbon:
- Attach a purple ribbon to your shirt, hat, bag, wallet, keys, etc.
- Tie a purple ribbon to your car’s antenna.
- Wear items such as t-shirts, hats and bags with embroidered purple ribbons.
- Hang purple ribbons on doors that are frequently used.
- Wrap purple ribbons around highly visible trees and/or lampposts.
GO PURPLE DAY
Locally, Hubbard House is asking the community to GO Purple! on Wednesday, Oct. 5, by wearing a purple item of clothing or a purple ribbon, or by hosting an activity or collection drive to benefit victims of domestic violence. Hubbard House also encourages all social media users to copy Hubbard House’s Facebook and Twitter purple ribbon profile picture and post it as their own default picture throughout Domestic Violence Awareness Month to show support. Visit www.facebook.com/hubbardhouseinc or www.twitter.com/hubbardhouse to join the movement!
If you are interested in holding an event or collection drive to benefit victims of domestic violence please contact Ashley Johnson Scott at (904) 354-0076 ext. 212 or ascott@hubbardhouse.org.
If you or anyone you know is in an abusive relationship please call the Hubbard House Domestic Violence Hotline at (904) 354-3114 or toll-free at (800) 500-1119.
ABOUT HUBBARD HOUSE
Founded as the first domestic violence shelter in Florida in 1976, Hubbard House is a certified, comprehensive domestic violence center providing programs and services to more than 5,000 women, children, and men annually in Duval and Baker counties. While Hubbard House is most known for its emergency shelter, the agency also provides extensive adult and youth outreach services, school-based education, therapeutic childcare, batterers’ intervention programs, court advocacy and volunteer and community education opportunities. Visit www.hubbardhouse.org to learn more.
By Vanna Tauch