Lucy Welles
liw002@marietta.edu
This year marks the 28th commemoration of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (NDVAM). This is a time for victim assistance organizations, law enforcement agencies, and the community to work together to generate a greater public awareness about domestic violence, prevention strategies and effective responses for victims.
EVE, Incorporated is a domestic violence and sexual assault shelter located in Marietta. EVE seeks to promote Help, Hope, and Support to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault through a variety of free services. Last year alone, EVE served 3,201 individuals and fielded 6, 906 crisis hotline calls of women, men, and children experiencing domestic violence and sexual assault.
Domestic violence is defined as a pattern of coercive behavior by one person in order to maintain power and control in a relationship. Domestic violence includes emotional, verbal, financial, physical, and sexual abuse, as well as stalking.
EVE intern Desiree Evanson, who is currently working towards a master’s degree in psychology at Marietta College, is passionate about applying her skills to help those in the community who are affected by domestic violence.
“EVE, Incorporated opened my eyes to the reality of these situations. Domestic violence is one of those issues that people know the name of, but don’t necessarily understand or think about in their daily lives unless it personally affects them,” she told The Marcolian
Domestic Violence Awareness Month strives to spotlight this issue, as well as educate the public about available resources and ways to help organizations assisting survivors.”
Domestic violence impacts everyone, and each of us has the power to demand zero tolerance for domestic violence. Therefore, this October, EVE is asking the community to “Take A Stand” against Domestic Violence. Evanson noted several ways individuals can show support:
• Talk about it, tell a friend, educate yourself and others
• Display purple lights on your home or business
• Donate cell phones to the local shelter
• Follow EVE on Facebook (www.facebook.com/eveincorporated) and Instagram (eve_incorporated)
• Change your social media profile or cover photos in support of NDVAM
• Donate to EVE at eveshelter.com
• Paint your left ring fingernail purple (“Put The Nail In It” Campaign)
• Wear purple on Oct. 22 and take a selfie with the hashtag #takeastandeve to help raise awareness
Some local restaurants are showing their support for NDVAM by displaying informational placemats on their tables and distributing flyers on pizza boxes during the month of October.
Evanson encourages people to show their support not only this October, but every day to help EVE strive to speak out, and give help, hope, and support to survivors of domestic violence.
For more information, call EVE, Incorporated at 1-800-974-3111 or 740-374-5820.
