October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time for all communities to learn about domestic violence; promote laws, policies, and programs to improve services to victims; hold offenders accountable; and do their part to help prevent domestic violence within their communities. It is vital that communities raise awareness of domestic violence and also reflect on the cost of this crime to society.

The Alternatives to Violence Center has several events planned to commemorate and observe National Domestic Violence Month, beginning with a ladders display. Local businesses are invited to "take the first step towards ending domestic violence" by decorating and displaying a ladder outside their storefront, in their window, or inside their business. Purple is the national color for domestic violence, so the Center encourages purple decorations on the ladder, such as flowers or balloons. There is no limit to your creativity, and there will be a plaque awarded for the best display. Businesses may submit a picture of their display to Dara Gullette by email at dggullette@co.highland.oh.us. If you are unable to submit a photo, call the office and they will come out to take one for you. The Center would like the ladders to be displayed from Monday, Oct. 4 through Friday, Oct. 16. When you register to join in the display, the agency will deliver brochures, flyers, and other promotional items to be used in the display.

Holtfield Station is hosting their third annual Hillsboro Car, Truck, and Bike Show on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010 from 5-9 p.m. at Holtfield Station at 620 South High Street, Hillsboro. All proceeds are donated to the Alternatives to Violence Center to continue serving Hillsboro and surrounding communities. Live entertainment will be provided, with Blue Steel, and Holtfield Station and AVC will provide a free gift for all participants, trophies and dashboard plaques for the first 50 registered, split the pot, door prizes, activities for children, and food. There is a $10 registration fee for each vehicle or bike, and we will also have "Domestic Violence Hurts a Latte" travel mugs and T-shirts for sale.

  Also in honor of domestic violence awareness month, the Center will be hosting the Annual Alternatives to Violence Center Luncheon. This year, the Center is honored to have Bexley Police Chief Larry Rinehart as the guest speaker. Chief Rinehart will present a law enforcer's point of view on domestic violence as well as discus his personal ties and dedication to ending the cycle of domestic violence within our own communities. This event will be held at the Old Ponderosa on U.S. 62 in Hillsboro on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2010 from noon to 1 p.m. As always, this event is free of charge, but donations are greatly appreciated. RSVP is not required but strongly recommended. Please contact the AVC office at (937) 393-8118 to reserve seats or email reservations to plang@co.highland.oh.us or fax, 937-393-8135. The event is proudly sponsored by Hillsboro Eagles, Cassner Foundation, and Holtfield Station.

The annual Bob Evans Event will be held Thursday, Nov. 4, 2010 from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. Anyone eating at the Hillsboro Bob Evans on that date will be benefiting the agency, since 15 percent of their meal total will go to the Alternatives to Violence Center. They must present an event flyer at the time of payment.

Please note that last year, the Alternatives to Violence Center assisted more than 1,800 community members with services such as shelter, 24-hour crisis line coverage, court/medical advocacy, support groups, individual sessions and safety planning. Unfortunately, in recent months there has been an increase of 25-percent in the demand for these types of services. Please remember that among the statistics there are women and children who often need help and protection. It is vital that we take the time to raise awareness and express the need for additional resources to ensure help is available to all who need it.