Wear purple in October to promote domestic violence awareness

“Domestic violence is a growing problem across the country,” said Kirstin Eismin, shelter manager for the YWCA House of Peace shelter in Clermont County.  “Our shelter for victims of abuse is at capacity, and our abuse hotline (that also serves Brown and Adams counties) had over 500 phone calls for assistance last month.  Compare that to 300 calls only two months previously.”

Eismin said that part of the increase for assistance can be attributed to the struggling economy and how some have reacted to the pressure, but she believes that more women are realizing that they can get out of the abusive situation and are reaching out for help.

On Wednesday, Sept. 16, the Board of Clermont County Commissioners proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Clermont County.

Numerous local events are scheduled to promote awareness, and the community is encouraged to wear a purple ribbon or article of clothing to show their support.

"On Wednesday, October 21, 2009, we invite those who have been touched by domestic violence, to come to UC Clermont College to create a T-shirt for the Clothesline Project," said Eismin. "The T-shirts will be hung on a clothesline as a powerful reminder of domestic violence and its impact on a family."

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that 1.3 million are physically assaulted by a loved one each year; one of every four women will experience domestic violence during her lifetime.

A vigil and march to promote awareness about domestic violence will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Clermont County Courthouse, located at 270 E. Main Street in Batavia.

The featured speaker will be a woman whose daughter was killed as a result of domestic violence. For more information about the October events planned call (513) 753-7282; to contact the abuse hotline call (513) 753-7281.