October is domestic violence awareness month

Beginning in October of 1981 with the "Day of Unity," Domestic Violence Awareness Month has grown into a nationwide effort to raise the awareness of and educate communities about domestic abuse. Across the country, candlelight vigils are held, purple ribbons are handed out, and special workshops are offered. It is a time to remember those who have lost their lives to domestic violence, to share the joy of those who have survived, and to work together with all those who strive to end the violence.

S.A.F.E. will sponsor a purple ribbon campaign, distributing ribbon stickers to all collaborative agencies in Towns and Union Counties. If you would like to have stickers for your workplace, church, or group, please call Kay at (706) 379- 1901. There is no cost for the stickers and they support awareness efforts.

The "Remember My Name" Clothesline Project will be on

display again this year. It will recognize the names of all the women, children and men who have died in Georgia over this past year because of domestic violence. Look for it in front of the United Community Bank branch office at Brackett's Way on Highway 76 just west of Highway 129 in Blairsville from October 1-15.

The North Enotah Task Force on Domestic Violence will host two "Remember My Name" ceremonies, incorporating the names from the Clothesline Project. The first will be held on Tuesday, October 3rd, at the Union County Civic Center and the second will be held on Tuesday, October 10th, in the City of Hiawassee Park.

Both of these locations feature a memorial stone in memory of victims of domestic violence.

Young Harris College Leadership Students will sponsor their annual Candlelight Vigil in memory of victims of domestic violence following regular chapel services on Wednesday, October 25th. For more information about any of these activities, call Kay at 706- 379-1901. Join with us in taking a stand against abuse in the home.

S.A.F.E. is the State certified domestic violence and sexual assault program serving Towns and Union Counties with partial funding received from the Georgia Department of Human Resources.