The Purple Ribbon

The PURPLE RIBBON tells everyone that you stand against domestic violence and that you will speak out to stop violence against women and their children.

Domestic Violence is the leading cause of injury to women in the US, more common than automobile accidents, muggings and cancer deaths combined.

As violence against women becomes more severe and more frequent in the home, children are 300% more likely to experience physical violence by the male batterer.

Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc. in Wilmington served over 1,083 women, 109 children and 21 men in 2009, providing emergency shelter, peer counseling, court accompaniment, transportation, support groups, children's program, and other emergency assistance.

Adding daily shelter population together for 2009, our agency provided 2,591 "shelter days" for those in crisis in our community.

Remember, while each October marks National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, domestic violence is not confined by calenders. Last year alone, there were nearly 5 million reported cases of domestic violence in this country. 

Please wear a purple ribbon, tie one on your car antennas, and encourage your family, friends, co-workers and neighbors to participate in this awareness campaign by doing the same.