LEWISBURG (WVDN) – October is Domestic Violence Awareness month, and the 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.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, 243 million women and girls, aged 15-49, experienced sexual and/or physical violence by an intimate partner. Since the pandemic, violence against women, especially domestic violence has intensified. The factors to this included: security, health and financial worries, cramped living conditions, isolation with abuser, movement restrictions, and deserted public spaces. The increase in violence amidst the COVID-19 pandemic is being referred to as the shadow pandemic and continues to grow today.
Domestic violence is not solely committed against female individuals. Domestic violence against males has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic as well. Statistically, 1 in 10 men experience violence by an intimate partner during their lifetime. Men are more likely to be victims of attacks with a deadly weapon. In fact, it has been reported that 63% of males as opposed to 15% of females had a deadly weapon used against them in a dispute with an intimate partner.
Domestic violence, also referred to as intimate partner violence (IPV), affects individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
IPV occurs at similar or even greater rates in the LGBTQ+ community as it does in heterosexual groups. Members of the LGBTQ+ community experience unique circumstances and barriers to assistance that can have a serious impact on how they experience domestic violence. Other marginalized communities experiencing high rates of domestic violence is Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC), individuals with disabilities, and senior citizens.
Individuals who suffer from domestic violence can only receive help if the silence is broken and 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 October 17th through the 21st and/or offer a featured product for sale. Community members will vote on their favorite storefront on Oct. 21. The winner will be announced on Monday, Oct. 24.
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 Family Refuge Center, Patina, A New Chapter bookstore, City National Bank located in downtown Lewisburg, and Em’s Cake Corner located in White Sulphur Springs. 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. The FRC asks that you light up our Facebook page in October with pictures of your light shining and use #domesticviolenceawarenessmonth.
3. Join the FRC on Thursday, Oct. 22, at 6 p.m. for their Paint, Pints, & Partnership event. Oct. 22 is Domestic Violence Awareness Day. On this night, individuals can enjoy and evening of light hors d’oeuvres, painting, and partnership building.
This paint night is being hosted by local artist Misty Murray-Walkup. Tickets can be purchased at the FRC’s Lewisburg office or on their Facebook page. RSVP is required by Oct. 6. To reserve your seat, contact Courtney McCoy, development coordinator at 304-645-6324 or by email at courtneym@familyrefugecenter.org.
