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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month across the United States. First observed in October 1981 as a national “Day of Unity,” the month is held each October as a way to unite advocates across the nation in their efforts to end domestic violence.
Reach of Cherokee County Inc., which serves Cherokee and Graham counties, operates a domestic violence shelter in Murphy and offers programs to help people leave abusive situations and create new lives.
“Reach is dedicated to the victims of domestic violence,” Executive Director Cecilia Crawford-Faulkner told the Cherokee Scout. “The statistics show in North Carolina that one in three women and one in four men experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner.
“This year, there is an all-time high in the murder-suicide rate for victims’ deaths. This information leads us to believe there is a direct connection with the mental health crisis in our country.
Reach’s statistics for 2023 are alarming. So far, there have been 4,624 crises calls, 129 male victims, 799 female victims, 120 children, 222 sexual assaults and 200 senior concerns.
This month, Reach will facilitate the following events.
Oct. 6
Shatter the Silence Ceremony
The month begins with a remembrance ceremony for people whose lives were extinguished by domestic violence. It is a time for reflection and a way for Cherokee County citizens to unite in opposition of domestic violence.
You may participate in person at 5-6 p.m. Friday at Murphy First United Methodist Church or online via the WKRK Facebook page.
Oct. 11
Parker’s Community Night
Get together from 3-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11, for a fun night at Parker’s Burger & Sweets, 5465 U.S. 64 in Ranger. Ten percent of the event’s profits will go to Reach of Cherokee County.
The event includes a raffle as well as a chance to win door prizes and buy T-shirts.
Oct. 13
Purple Rocks Downtown Murphy
To highlight the pervasive nature of domestic violence, rocks painted purple will be placed throughout downtown Murphy on Friday, Oct. 13, remaining there until all of the rocks have been found. Not only does purple symbolize domestic violence awareness, it also happens to be the color of a bruise.
When you spot a rock, take its photo and then tag #Rocks4LoveShouldn’tHurt and #Reachofcherokee-county.
Oct. 14
MountainFairy Hair Fundraiser
The Outreach Fairy from Mountain Fairy Hair returns to Glitz & Glamour, 41 Tennessee St. in downtown Murphy, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, so you can show off your fairy hair. Appointments are necessary, as is clean, dry hair free of styling products such as hairspray, dry shampoo, mousse or gel.
Prices are $25 for 10 knots/20 strands; $35 for 15 knots/30 strands and $45 for 20 knots/40 strands. Credit cards, debit cards and Venmo are accepted with a $3 fee. To save a spot, visit reachofcherokeecounty.org, select the calendar tab and scroll down for the calendar link.
Oct. 16
Graham County Welloween Reach Table
Reach will have a table at the Welloween event Monday, Oct. 16, in the Graham County Department of Public Health, 191 P&J Road in Robbinsville.
Oct. 20
Purple Day Digital Event
Wear purple from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, 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.
Oct. 27
Shop with a Cop Reach Table
Stop by the Reach table at this Trick-or-Treating event, which raises money for the Shop with a Cop program. The event takes place from 1-5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, at the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office’s firing range in Marble.
Oct. 28
Andrews Halloween Reach Table
Visit the Reach table at the Andrews Trunk or Treat event from 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, in downtown Andrews.
Oct. 31
Murphy Halloween
Reach concludes Domestic Violence Awareness month activities with a table at the Murphy Halloween event from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31, in downtown Murphy.
“We strongly encourage our community to educate themselves and get involved in the fight against domestic violence,” Crawford-Faulkner said. “Together, we can make a difference.”
Details: reachofcherokeecounty.org; 24/7 crisis line, 828-837-8064.