October is
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
Annie’s Gifts of Love Charitable Foundation, Inc. is committed to raising
awareness and encouraging survivors in the fight against domestic violence:
October is Domestic Violence Month
I will never forget the death of my former co-worker, Marina Ramos in 2021 through a senseless act of violence by her ex-husband. They were divorced but shared custody of a 10-year-old daughter, so they had to interact with one another unsupervised. It was through one of those exchanges that Marina lost her life. The violence is real, and it does not play favorites. Therefore, raising awareness is necessary throughout the year. In October we focus more on this issue more than at other times during the year. This is the month to raise awareness, and to remember those who lost their lives to domestic violence. According to the Texas Council on Family Violence, in 2023, 205 Texans were victims of intimate partner or stalking homicide. This number includes 179 women and 26 men.
Domestic violence is an equal opportunity problem because it affects women, children, and men. It stretches across ethnic, religious, social, and economic lines throughout the world. It can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, psychological, or technological abuse, intimidation, manipulation, humiliation, isolation, threats, and coercion. It causes trauma and in many cases death. It is an epidemic and must be eradicated one survivor at a time in collaboration with law enforcement, community agencies, and faith-based community coalitions.
Here is what we are doing to support survivors during
October Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2024
Friday, October 4th
Attending the Family Place
Trailblazer event at 11:30 a.m.
Sunday, October 20th
Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship raises aware-ness 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. We will be manning an information table after both morning services to help raise awareness.
Saturday, October 5th
I am an Iris Sponsor for the Genesis Women’s Shelter and Support First Ladies’ Bruncheon. It will be at the Fairmont Hotel at 10:30 a.m. (All proceeds raised at this event will support the life-changing programs and resources offered at Genesis at South Oak Cliff).
Thursday, October 24th
Attending the Genesis Alliance Fall Meeting at 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, October 17th
Purple Thursday - National Day of Action each October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month (wear purple)
Saturday, October 26th
Attending the Family Place
“Blue and Teal”
event at 11:30 a.m.
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All Women Marching for Hope Annual Domestic Violence event at 6:00 p.m. in Arlington, TX. This year it is a Purple Mask Ball. (The event is sold out). I will provide a Gift Basket jammed packed with lots of items to encourage a survivor. It will be a door prize. And I will man an Exhibit Table to raise awareness and provide other resources.