Two domestic violence awareness events set for this week; Purple Thursay & Purple Mile Walk

HAMILTON — Anyone wanting to help honor survivors and victims of domestic violence and help bring awareness to their cause is invited to participate in two different awareness events to be held this week.
Thursday, Oct. 16, is the nationally-recognized Purple Thursday, where everyone is encouraged to wear purple.
All organizations, businesses, schools and individuals can wear purple clothing, ribbons or stickers to show their support.
The Marion County Domestic Violence Task Force is inviting participants to share their photos on Facebook and tag the task force at MarionCo Dvtf or email them to the task force at mcdvtf@gmail.com.
Anyone wearing purple on Purple Thursday is also welcome to tag Safeplace on social media by using #safeplacepurplethursdays, or they may email the photos to ksmith@nwalsafeplace.org to be posted.

Purple Mile Walk
Safeplace will also be holding its inaugural Purple Mile Walk in Marion County on Friday, Oct. 17, starting at 9 a.m. at the Marion County Courthouse in Hamilton.
Beginning near the courthouse’s entrance and exit location on First Street Southwest, participants will head toward the high school, loop around the block holding the walking track, go back toward the school and then return to the courthouse. (See detailed map on this page.)
“We’ll walk together in solidarity, share resources and hold space for healing and hope,” said Safeplace Victim Advocate Avery Williams.
She noted a few T-shirts will be available for purchase at the event, with all proceeds benefitting Safeplace.
For more information, contact Safeplace Outreach Program Manager Kim Smith at 256-460-6832.
MCDVTF Co-chair Kim Lolley noted both events are being held as part of October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
“You can help break the silence and end the stigma by talking about domestic violence with your friends, family members and loved ones,” she said. “You can also join the task force and volunteer locally with Safeplace and at our safe shelter in Marion County.”
For more information, contact Lolley at 205-921-6019. Safeplace’s 24-hour hotlines are 256-767-6210 and 800-550-9215.