October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month across the United States, and Reach of Cherokee-Graham County operates a domestic violence shelter in Murphy and offers programs to help victims leave abusive situations and create new lives.
“Love shouldn’t hurt!” Reach officials said in a release.
“Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects people of all ages, genders and races. It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of domestic violence, and to know where to get help if you or someone you know is experiencing it.”
The annual Shatter the Silence event, which was held Oct. 6, highlights those who lost their lives as a result of domestic violence, including a large number of murder-suicides. Watch the recording at facebook.com/reachofcherokeecounty to learn more about this month and support survivors.
The latest events was Purple Rocks Downtown Murphy last Friday. Rocks painted purple were placed throughout downtown Murphy, where they will remain until all of the rocks have been found. Purple symbolizes domestic violence awareness and also happens to be the color of a bruise. When you spot a rock, take its photo and tag #Rocks4LoveShouldn’tHurt as well as #Reachofcherokeecounty.
Up next this Friday is the Purple Day Digital Event. Wear purple from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. as a display of unity for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The more people in the community who wear purple to work or school, the louder the statement of support. Remember to tag Reach of Cherokee County on Facebook and use #LoveShouldn’tHurt and #PurpleDayReachofCherokeeCounty.
Reach will also be at the:
- Shop with a Cop Reach Table during a Trick-or-Treating event 1-5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, at the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office’s firing range in Marble.
- Reach table during the downtown Andrews Trunk or Treat event from 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28.
- Reach table during the downtown Murphy Halloween event from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31.
- Reach’s statistics for 2023 are staggering. So far, there have been more than 4,624 crises calls, 129 male victims, 799 female victims, 120 children, 222 sexual assaults and 200 senior concerns.
- This is Reach’s 40th year fighting domestic violence in the community. Over those years, the nonprofit has received 151,704 crisis calls; u served a total of 91,188 unduplicated clients; had 15,516 victims stay in the overnight shelter. In addition to attending events, there are other ways to support domestic violence awareness:
- Like and share social media posts from organizations like Reach.
- Talk to your friends and family about domestic violence.
- Educate yourself about the signs and symptoms of domestic violence.
- Support survivors by donating to organizations like Reach.
Together, officials said we can create a community where everyone is safe and loved.
Details: reachofcherokeecounty.org; 24/7 crisis line, 828-837-8064.