Alternatives to Violence Plans Month of Activities for October Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. With the significant increase in domestic violence cases during the pandemic, Alternatives to Violence will be hosting a series of events throughout October to raise awareness and encourage the community to join in the effort to stop domestic violence. The series includes an in-person event, seminar and social media promotion.
Paws and Reflect In-person Event — Saturday, October 2, 2021, at 11:00 a.m.
The community is invited to parade their pets in purple (the color symbolizing domestic violence) or in costume. The parade will start at the Loveland Library parking lot at 11:00 a.m. and will proceed around the Foote Lagoon to the amphitheater, where Jacki Marsh, Mayor of Loveland will dedicate October to Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
“Pets are a big reason why domestic violence victims do not initially leave an abusive partner. Many shelters may not take pets, so victims are hesitant to leave pets behind out of fear that they will be abused,” said Alternatives to Violence Outreach Coordinator, Marigaye Barnes.
Domestic Violence: Shining a Light in our Community — Wednesday, October 13, 2021, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
This in-person and simultaneous virtual event will begin with a brief description of domestic violence and how to recognize it, followed by a domestic violence survivor who will share their personal experience to shed light on the horrible realities of an abusive relationship. The event will end with a panel of advocates from Alternatives to Violence who will answer questions from members of the community interested in learning how to identify or help someone who may be in a domestic violence situation. In-person will take place at Realities for Children, 308 E County Rd 30, Fort Collins, CO 80525.
Don Your Purple Social Media Event — Week of October 25-29
Facebook users will be asked to wear purple and share photos on either their personal Facebook page or on ATV’s Facebook page using the hashtag #ATVDVAM2021
October was first declared Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1989. Since then, October has been a time to acknowledge domestic violence survivors and generate awareness on identifying and preventing domestic abuse. Awareness is crucial because domestic violence is a serious social problem and dangerous crime that affects millions of individuals across the United States regardless of age, economic status, race, religion, or education. The consequences of domestic violence can affect more than just the victim, and the mental effects can last a lifetime.