October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is observed by wearing purple.  For survivors of domestic violence, who may be wounded both physically and emotionally, the color is meant to be a symbol of peace, courage, survival, honor and dedication to ending violence.

Helping Services for Youth and Families will be displaying Silent Witness silhouettes throughout Winneshiek County and the six other counties in its service area. The Silent Witnesses are life size cutouts that represent someone that was tragically killed in Iowa as a result of domestic violence.

Last year Helping Services staff and trained volunteers answered 1,480 calls to help survivors in need. If you or someone you know needs help, or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please call the resource line at (800) 383-2988.  Domestic Abuse Resource Center advocates and trained volunteers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

In addition to the resource line, the Resource Center provides access to safe homes, victim advocacy, emergency supplies and assistance, and transitional housing. For more information  about the resources available at Helping Services for Youth and Family, visit https://www.helpingservices.org/services/domestic-advocacy-services/

As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Helping Services will host a painting party at Blepta Studios and Pivo Brewery in Calmar on October 25th from 5:45 p.m. until 8:45 p.m.  There will also be a Selfie promotion for students at Luther College and Upper Iowa University throughout the month. Students will post a picture with something purple to raise awareness.