Recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Tallahassee’s Domestic Violence Coordinating Council (DVCC) along with community partners is organizing events in the Tallahassee surrounding the issue. DVCC's efforts are led by Kelly O'Rourke, a research associate with the Institute for Family Violence Studies at the College of Social Work.
With the widespread account of recent abuse cases and subsequent deaths, it is important to remember that domestic violence can happen to anyone in our community. Even those that seem okay on the outside or those close to us may be in an abusive, dangerous relationship. We should all be aware and ready to help those who might be in danger.
During the month of October, local Tallahassee law enforcement, including FSU Police, Tallahassee Police Department and Leon County Sheriff’s Office will display a vehicle with a graphic encouraging us all to "End the Silence on Domestic Violence" alongside the Refuge House hotline number.
On the morning of October 11th at Cascades Park Plaza the vehicle was unveiled. At the event, our Sheriff and Police Chiefs gathered together as Forces United Against Domestic Violence. Speakers included:
- Alicia Turner, Tallahassee Police Department
- Deputy Chief Tonja Bryant Smith, Tallahassee Police Department
- Sheriff McNeil, Leon County Sheriff’s Office
- Kelly O'Rourke, DVCC
- Paula Smith, Survivor Speaker
- Emily Mitchem, Refuge House
Local businesses, community partners, and citizens are all part of the Forces United Against Domestic Violence, demonstrating how important it is for an entire community to be aware of the dangers of domestic abuse and where to get help and information.
Many community partners will stand up and bring awareness to domestic abuse by placing purple ribbons with the hotline number on their front doors or in their windows for all to see. For purple ribbon window supplies, contact Kelly O’Rourke at 850-222-3845 or DVCCTally@gmail.com.
The College of Social Work is also collaborating with the DVCC to screen the film, No Ordinary Love, which focuses on domestic violence and is followed by a discussion (Time and Date TBA).
