DVAM Provides Uplifting Support

By Sharon Svec and Megan Dixon

October at YWCA Clark County came dressed in purple. In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), the entrance of the community office was dotted with purple pumpkins, and picture frames in the halls were draped in purple and trimmed with messages of hope. Just as pink is the color of breast cancer awareness, purple is recognized in many countries as symbolic of domestic violence awareness.

Lundy Bancroft

Awareness also came in the form of events, activities, and displays throughout the community. You
may have seen a silent witnesses or a purple light in the window of a neighbor or business. These displays raise awareness and urge the community to be involved in violence prevention. A few people shared their voice on YWCA’s website. Their messages demonstrate how deeply domestic violence effects individuals and families, and emphasizes why it must be stopped. The SafeChoice Domestic Violence Program began the month with a lighting ceremony on October 4th, and ended with two workshops by renowned presenter Lundy Bancroft October 30th.

SafeChoice and YWCA are supported through government and non-government grants as well as from dedicated volunteers, and donors like you. In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, SafeChoice was presented with three generous grants:

• Verizon Wireless Hopeline (sponsor of this year’s DVAM activities) awarded SafeChoice an additional grant to upgrade accommodations at our local shelter.
• The Mary Kay Foundation generously awarded SafeChoice a grant for $20,000 to support one family-style bedroom at the shelter which will serve as a safe haven for at least six families over the course of one year.
• The Boeing Employee Community Fund verbally awarded SafeChoice a grant to replace the shelter’s outdated security system with a new, modernized fingerprint scanning system. This will increase safety for all residents of the shelter.

YWCA expresses thanks to these grantors, and to everyone who helped during the month of October, including the many volunteers who collaborated to raise awareness. You have helped spread the message that violence has no place in our community.