October marks National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to unite with advocates and stand with survivors.
Here in Erie, SafeNet held its annual “Wrap the Poles Purple” event outside City Hall. Community members tied purple ribbons around every third parking meter as a symbol of the one in three women who experience domestic violence, many of whom suffer in silence.
“As a community, what we can do is, if you know somebody who is going through domestic violence, you can talk to them about it. You can talk to them about safety planning with you. If you have a neighbor that you know is going through domestic violence, you can talk to them about signals they can give to you, like turning a light on and off a few times, so that they know to call 911,” said Jessica Clark, a counselor and legal advocate for SafeNet.
SafeNet also shared what safety planning looks like when a survivor reaches out for help. Advocates help survivors prepare important items ahead of time and keep them in a safe location.
If children are involved, advocates discuss where they should go during a dangerous situation and who they can call for help. They say planning ahead can save lives.
“I help victims of domestic violence from the initial phone call on. If they need to come into shelter and then move through our transitional living program, if necessary, we help them with everything from PFAs to daily living supplies they might need, shelter, and getting connected with resources in the community to gain independence,” said Christina Smith, a victim advocate for SafeNet.
SafeNet’s services are always free and confidential. Thursday’s event served as a reminder that help is always available for those experiencing domestic violence.