LEWISBURG W.Va. (WVDN) – October was first declared as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1989. Since then, the month has been a time to acknowledge domestic violence survivors and be a voice for its victims. Communities and advocacy organizations across the country connect with the public and one another to raise awareness about the signs of abuse and ways to stop it and to uplift survivor stories and provide additional resources to leaders and policymakers.
Family Refuge Center is set to Paint the Town Purple. The intended purpose of Paint the Town Purple is to bring awareness to the community regarding the increase in domestic violence cases and the effects domestic violence has on individuals, families and the community. Individuals who suffer from domestic violence can only receive help if the silence is broken, and the stigma is removed. Domestic Violence does not discriminate! It is important for communities to come together to help end this cycle of abuse.
Paint the Town Purple offers multiple ways that the community can support victims and survivors.
1. Businesses have the option to decorate their storefront in a purple theme throughout the month of October or during the week of Oct. 16 through 20 and/or offer a featured product for sale. Community members will vote for their favorite storefront by scanning QR codes in the windows and/or voting via our Facebook page. The winner of the best storefront decorating contest will be announced on Monday, Oct. 23.
2. Community members can purchase a purple light bulb to display on their porch throughout the month of October. Light bulbs can be purchased at the Family Refuge Center’s main office in Lewisburg. By purchasing a light bulb, you are pledging to take a stand against domestic violence, honoring those who lost their lives to domestic violence and helping to empower victims and survivors.
FRC asks that you light up their Facebook page in October with pictures of your light shining and use #DomesticViolenceAwarenessMonth.
3. Join FRC on Wednesday, Oct. 18, at 6 p.m. for their second Annual Paint, Pints, & Partnership event. This event will be hosted at our main office in Lewisburg. On this night, individuals can enjoy an evening of light hors d’oeuvres, painting and community engagement. Tickets can be purchased at 213 Coleman Drive, Suite B4, or by visiting the events tab on their website.
For more information, please, contact Tyranda Martin, director of outreach services, at 304-645-6324 or by email at tyrandam@familyrefugecenter.org. To stay up to date on upcoming events, visit their website at www.familyrefugecenter.org.
