Domestic violence impacts thousands of people in Nebraska each year and this October, the DOVES Program asks community members to stand with us to “Shine a Light on Domestic Violence.
Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior intended to isolate victims and tear them down verbally, emotionally and physically. It affects people of all ages, races, ethnicities, genders and sexualities. One in 4 women report ever experiencing violence intimate partner violence and one in 7 men have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner.
“Right here in the Panhandle, the DOVES Program has served more than 800 victims of abuse and violence since January,” said DOVES Executive Director, Hilary Wasserburger. “Many people care and understand that domestic violence is a serious problem in our communities. They want to do something but it can feel overwhelming,” added Wasserburger. “We can work together to support survivors, hold abusers accountable and make our communities safer”.
DOVES encourages you to:
• Believe survivors and listen without judgment
• Use your social media to raise awareness about domestic violence
• Shut down “jokes” that make light of abuse
• Share the DOVES Program number with your friends, family members and coworkers
Join DOVES on Saturday Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. as we “Shine A Light on Domestic Violence” in Alliance. We will light the night sky purple and walk in solidarity to remember those whose lives were taken by domestic violence and celebrate the strength and resiliency of survivors.
Registration begins at 6:30 p.m. at Laing Lake Bridge. Walkers are encouraged to wear purple and DOVES will provide purple glow sticks.
The DOVES Program provide crisis and support services to anyone who has experienced or been affected by sexual, domestic and dating violence. For more information log on to www.dovesprogram.com or call 866-95-DOVES. It’s time to “Shine a Light on Domestic Violence.”