LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, celebrated with the color purple.
Lake Family Resource Center is marking the month with a series of events meant to focus awareness on the tragedy of domestic violence in the hope of ending it in Lake County.
“Health Cares about Domestic Violence Day” takes place Wednesday, Oct. 10.
Health care providers and community members are encouraged to wear the color purple, the symbolic hue for domestic violence awareness. It represents the courage, survival, honor and dedication to ending domestic violence, remembering victims and honoring survivors. It has a long history of being used as a symbol by those seeking justice.
This day aims to reach members of the healthcare community with education about the critical importance of screening for domestic violence.
Then, join the center for the fourth annual “Power of the Purple Walk” on Saturday, Oct. 20, at 9 a.m., rain or shine, at Lake Family Resource Center’s headquarters, located at 5350 Main St., Kelseyville.
Participants are encouraged to raise awareness of the issue by embracing the color purple, which will be used to decorate the town of Kelseyville.
The walk is a nontimed and free event, however, donations are gratefully accepted. Once the walk is completed, cake and souvenirs will be offered.
The "Dyeing to End Domestic Violence" Fundraiser in October will also take place. This will be an eye-catching, month-long awareness event where individuals are encouraged to color their hair purple for domestic violence awareness.
Challenge someone to dye their hair purple and make a pledge at a dollar a day for each day their hair goes purple. Collect as many sponsors as possible. Call 707-279-0563, Extension 181, to request a sponsorship form. All pledges/donations will benefit the domestic violence program.
During the month, three domestic violence proclamations will take place. The community is urged to attend and support the efforts of the agencies assisting victims of domestic violence and to increase their involvement in efforts to prevent further violence.
The proclamations will take place as follows: Lakeport City Council, Tuesday, Oct. 2, at 6 p.m. at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St.; Clearlake City Council, 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive: Board of Supervisors, 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, board chambers, first floor of the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport.
It takes a coordinated effort from all corners of the community – individuals, advocates, community groups, law enforcement, faith-based organizations and schools – to combat the scourge of domestic violence with intervention and prevention and declaring that it will not be tolerated in our community.
Lake Family Resource Center encourages the community to help break the silence.