October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the Purcellville Police Department is showing support for victims of domestic violence by placing purple DVAM ribbon magnets on their patrol vehicles. The Purcellville Police Department, along with the Leesburg Police Department and the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office have partnered with LAWS Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services to help bring awareness to this important issue.   

Domestic violence is a large public health issue that impacts children, teens and adults. Domestic abuse is a pattern of behavior used to gain power and control, which can include physical and/or emotional or verbal abuse. 

Unfortunately, domestic violence is a crime that can often go unnoticed or be hidden, and can create tremendous fear and danger for its victims. While Purcellville has statistically had low rates of domestic violence incidents, even just one victim of such abuse in our community, is one too many. By bringing awareness to this problem, the Purcellville Police Department aims to help empower victims of domestic abuse so that they are able to seek help, and live safely, free from additional trauma and distress.  

So what can one do to help spread awareness regarding domestic violence? First, if someone ever encounters a person suffering from domestic violence, the most important thing you can do is let them know that they are not alone, and there are resources available for assistance. If you or someone you know needs help, call the 24-hour Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline at 703-777-6552, or call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). However, if someone is in immediate danger, please call or text 911.  

In addition, you can show your solidarity with victims of domestic violence by participating in “Purple Out Day,” which takes place on Oct. 19. Purple Out Day is a day to wear purple to show your commitment to promoting healthy relationships and ending domestic violence. People wear purple since it is a color that has long been used by women seeking justice. Women are the primary victims of domestic violence, however both males and females can be victims.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in three women and one in four men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. With the wearing of purple, it helps to bring awareness, and hopefully start conversations about domestic violence, with the goal of decreasing it, and building healthy relationships. If you like, take a photo of yourself wearing purple and use the hashtag #endviolencesupportsurvivors if you post it to social media.  

For more information about LAWS Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services visit their website at https://lcsj.org/.