October was first declared as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1989. Since then, October has been a time to acknowledge domestic violence survivors and be a voice for its victims. Domestic violence is prevalent in every community, and affects all people regardless of age, socio-economic status, gender, race, religion, or nationality.
Domestic violence awareness is associated with the color purple. Throughout October, people decorate their lives in the color purple – from t-shirts and ribbons to nail polish and hair color. The color purple is a symbol of peace, courage, survival, honor and dedication to ending violence. Someone you care about has likely experienced some kind of domestic abuse, even if you can’t see it – 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience severe physical violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime.
Here at St. John Neumann our Domestic Abuse Ministry serves as a doorway to hope, help and healing to victims of Domestic Abuse. During October 8 & 9 we invite you to visit our Welcome Center to find more information and resources about this topic. If you or someone you know needs help, contact our ministry coordinator at 630.480.6561. To find professional assistance call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.