October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the Genesis House, Lorain County’s only domestic violence shelter, has multiple county-wide campaigns and awareness events running this month.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month was first introduced in 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. It was created not only to bring more awareness but to connect and unify the millions of victims and their loved ones that had been affected due to this crime.
Every year, around 10 million people become victims of domestic violence, about 20 people every minute. In Lorain County, there have been more domestic homicides in the past year and a half than in the past 5 years combined. For the past 19 months during this global pandemic, we were all told “Stay Safe at Home.” For victims of domestic violence, home is where they were the most at risk.
This crime is often done in private; October is our opportunity to be loud with our efforts and remind survivors that we see them, we are here to help and we care. It is also an opportunity to remind batterers that this behavior is unacceptable, we see them and we are dedicated to holding them accountable.
Campaigns include:
Purple Ribbons: Purple ribbons will be on display all month along Broadway Ave in the city of Lorain. Thanks to the support of Main Street Lorain, purple ribbons will be on trees, lampposts and signs.
· Purple ribbons will be up for a week on LCCC Main Campus
· Purple ribbons will be up in Ely Square Oct 18th – Oct 22nd
The Silent Witness Exhibit: This exhibit consists of life size silhouettes each one telling the story of a Lorain County resident who was murdered by someone who was supposed to love them.
· Lorain Community College – Main Campus Oct 1st-Oct 15
· Marion L. Steele High School, Amherst Ohio from Oct 18th – Oct 22th
Now Serving Awareness Campaign (#nowservingawareness): Local bars and restaurants have joined us in honoring DVAM by spreading awareness, education and support by placing informational tents on their bars and tables.
· Bistro Bella Luna
· Kim’s Grocery & Carryout
· Bingo Chinese Restaurant
*more to come!
Empty Seat at the Table Displays: This campaign serves as a reminder of the vacancies left in our community when someone is murdered though domestic homicide. Each display consists of an empty chair displaying a frame that tells the story of one of Lorain County’s victims.
Displays can be found at:
Nord Center
Pathways LCADA (3 locations) Ben Franklin North West Bank (4 branches) Community United MC Jodi Estelle’s Hair Design Lorain Municipal Court Elyria Police Department Sheffield Lake Police Department Head Start (4 sites) The 530 Shop Oberlin Community Services Grafton Barbell World Gym The Mermaid’s Tale Lorain Police Department Main Street Vermilion Avon Lake United Church of Christ
Lorain Metro Housing Authority (14 sites)
Cornerstone Pregnancy Services
Elyria Library (West River Rd branch)
Broadway Mary’s
Lorain County Community College (Main Campus)
Lorain County Community College (Lorain Campus)
Lorain County Community College (Wellington Campus)
MHARS Board
We Care, We Share
Café Melissa
15:13 Fitness & Strength
Hairlove
Flowers By Sharon
Ginko Gallery
Lorain Library (W. 6th branch)
The American Legion Post 30
North Ridgeville Police Department
Hairways
Bistro Bella Luna
Kim’s Grocery & Carryout
Bingo Chinese Restaurant
Cable Co-op
