Greene County News

XENIA — Domestic violence is common, consequential and changeable. Each year in Greene County, between 1300-1600 adults are physically abused by a current or former intimate partner and elder abuse is more common than new cancer cases among seniors aged 60 and over according to The Health Path Foundation of Ohio (2014).

October has been dedicated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This awareness effort evolved from the first Day of Unity observed in October 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The intent of this day was to connect battered women’s advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children. The Day of Unity soon became a special week when a range of activities were conducted at the local, state and national levels. It is now a month-long although domestic violence is a problem all year long.

The purple ribbon is the most widely recognized symbol of the domestic violence movement. Family Violence Prevention Center (FVPC) in Greene County is coordinating with the two Montgomery/Preble County organizations, Artemis and the Dayton YWCA to Paint the Town Purple. During the month of October, when you see a purple ribbon hanging at the Greene or downtown Dayton, we encourage you to take a moment, read the informational card attached and also remember the many consequences that domestic violence has on our community in terms of health, wellness and in the lives of the children.

FVPC also has a Candlelight Vigil planned for 6 p.m. Oct. 3 at Shawnee Park in Xenia. Community members are encouraged to attend to learn more and show support for victims and survivors of this crime. The event invites people of all ages to break the silence and join together in order to help change the culture which has been quiet through the years.

The Greene County Consortium on Domestic and Sexual Violence will be recognizing members of law enforcement who go above and beyond for victims in our county. The awards ceremony is 12 p.m. Oct. 19 in the Media Room at Greene County Department of Job and Family Services and is open to the public.

For more information about these events, visit www.violencefreefutures.org/events, or contact Harmony Byrd at 937-376-8526 ext. 112 or [email protected].

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Story courtesy of Family Violence Prevention Center.