MONTGOMERY— If you think you are seeing a bit more purple this month, your eyes aren’t deceiving you. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the purple ribbons, logos and other decorations are designed to raise awareness about domestic violence and the assistance available to victims.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is joining in by turning its logo purple and reminding Alabamians that free, professional help is always available for victims at nonprofit organizations across the state.
The organizations provide free services, including 24-hour crisis lines, emergency shelter, counseling, court advocacy, safety plans and more. A list of shelters can be found on the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence website: www.acadv.org/get-help/shelters.
The services are supported by grants awarded by Gov. Robert Bentley and administered by ADECA from funds provided by the U. S. Justice Department. In the past year, 18 nonprofit organizations have received more than $2.6 million in grants.
“We want to ensure that survivors of domestic abuse know that services are available 24-hours a day to help them escape a violent situation,” ADECA Director Jim Byard Jr. said. “The dedicated staff and volunteers working with domestic violence organizations deserve our gratitude for the vital services they provide.”
Along with grant funding, these organizations rely on on private donations to ensure that services are always available.
In addition to support for domestic violence survivors, ADECA administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management and recreation development.
ADECA will continue to highlight Domestic Violence Awareness Month and other news and features through social media. Stay up-to-date by following ADECA on these sites:
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Contact: Josh Carples; Mike Presley