Being purple in a pink world

Whenever October rolls around each year, people of all ages begin to "think pink" and organize rallies and events to draw attention to the ravaging effects of breast cancer.

What better cause to support than prevention of cancer? No one can argue with the importance of drawing attention to a disease that robs individuals and families of meaningful years of life.

What people in our community may not know is that October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month. What began as a single Day of Unity in 1981 has evolved into a full month intended to build awareness about the devastating effects of domestic violence in the lives of families across America. The color purple was chosen as a symbol of the bruises women have sustained at the hands of their abusers. In 1989, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month commemorative legislation was passed by the U.S. Congress and has been passed every year since.

October is a time to mourn those who have died due to domestic violence, to celebrate those who have survived and to reach out to the community to help us bring an end to this devastating crime. One in eight women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime, while one in four women are affected by domestic violence. Missouri ranks seventh nationwide in the number of women murdered by men.

During October you will see pink in stores, on products and even the lights in the St. Louis Arch will be pink to honor breast cancer victims. But you will also see purple ribbons throughout our community in honor of the many victims and survivors whose lives have been touched by violence. A special thank you goes to our local law enforcement officers in Cape Girardeau and Jackson for their willingness to honor victims by flying the purple ribbon from the antennas of their patrol cars. If you would like a purple ribbon, stop by the Safe House for Women Outreach Office at 1810 E. Plaza Way in Cape Girardeau.

October is a good time of year to remember several good causes. It is also a good time to acknowledge that domestic violence is preventable. Our community can eliminate violence against women and children if we work together. Each of us can play a role in ending violence.

When you see a purple ribbon in our community this year, you are seeing someone who has taken a stand against domestic violence. Will you take a stand? I hope you will. It's OK to be purple in a pink world. Together we can end the violence.

Linda Garner is the executive director for the Safe House for Women in Cape Girardeau