Contributed by Sanford Police Department
Members of the Sanford Police Department are spreading awareness for Domestic Violence using a multi-faceted campaign through the month of October.
As part of the Domestic Violence Awareness Campaign, officers will wear a purple ribbon/butterfly pin on their uniform in an effort to spread awareness and support of Victims of Domestic Violence. The goal is to have citizens ask the officers about the meaning of the butterfly on their uniform, in hopes that will provoke a meaningful conversation about the impacts of domestic violence. In addition, participating officers and support staff will walk 31 miles throughout October, spreading the message that “running hurts, love shouldn’t.”
In October 1987, Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) was officially observed in the United States. On average, 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner. During one year, this equates to more than 10 million victims of domestic violence to include women, men, and children. Sadly, the majority of these cases go unreported. The month of recognition was introduced to not only educate and raise awareness, but to bring the support and strength that domestic violence victims desperately need. (The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence)
Domestic violence shows itself in a number of different forms, whether it’s punching, slapping, choking, threatening, manipulating, yelling and/or emotional abuse. No matter the situation, domestic violence is never okay.
The Sanford Police Department invites local media partners, along with community members who wish to show support by running, walking, or cheering on participants, to join them for their Final Run along the Lake Monroe RiverWalk. Attendees are encouraged to wear as much purple as possible. The Final Run will take place on Friday, October 31, beginning at 9 a.m. The gathering point will be the Public Parking Lot located at 921 W. Seminole Blvd, Sanford.
Domestic violence is never okay, no matter the circumstances. If you, or someone you know is in desperate need of help, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233 or TTY 1−800−787−3224.
