Signs offer domestic violence victims hope

By Staff
Melissa Cason, Franklin County Times
Many victims of domestic violence have lost hope. They know where to find help: the police department, the Department of Human Resources, and other official places in their community.
But going to those places can be challenging for those in violent relationships, especially if the victims don't work outside of the home. Now, hope and help can be as simple as walking into a gas station or going to the grocery store.
A victim of domestic violence can get help by walking into a business that displays a purple ribbon sign, Suzanne Swaim with Safeplace said.
"These signs show victims that there are people out there that care about them and their situation," Swaim said. "The signs also send a message to abusers that their behavior is not tolerated in our community."
The sign project, although new, has several participants in Franklin County but more are needed to provide a safe haven for victims and to send a clear message that domestic violence is wrong, Swaim said.
"We need as many businesses as possible to get onboard with this program so that every victim in the county will know that someone cares about them, and that there is help out there," Swaim said.
The businesses that display the purple ribbon will have a trained volunteer to give the victim options for their situation, Swaim said.
"All that we ask of our businesses is to give anyone who walks in a telephone and a private place to call our crisis line," Swaim said.
Safety is the most important priority for the victim, volunteer and other employees of the business. Volunteers are not to put themselves in danger, and should call 911 if they feel threatened, Swaim said.
"We appreciate the businesses in Franklin County who have already agreed to become a poster site and encourage all businesses to take part in this project," Swaim said.
For more information, contact Safeplace Inc. at 331-0477.