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Parkersburg proclaims Purple Light Night Month

Photo submitted Crime victim advocate Anna L. Cunningham and Parkersburg Mayor Tom Joyce at a signing of a proclamation this week declaring Oct. 4 to Nov. 4 as Purple Light Night Month to raise awareness about domestic violence.

PARKERSBURG — People are asked to light up their porches purple to remember those affected by domestic violence.

On Monday, Parkersburg Mayor Tom Joyce met with local advocates for victims of domestic violence and signed a proclamation declaring Oct. 4 to Nov. 4 as Purple Light Night Month to raise awareness of domestic violence and the issue in this community, the state and nation.

“Whereas, the increase statewide and nationally in Domestic Violence and sexual crimes against men, women and children is a terrible commentary on a sector of society that needs our vigilant effort to increase awareness,” the proclamation said. “… more than 12 million women and men are affected by Domestic Violence over the course of a year.”

The proclamation states that 3 in 10 women and 1 in 10 men in the United States have experienced rape, physical violence and/or stalking by a partner. Around 30-60 percent of perpetrators of intimate partner violence also abuse children in the household, it said.

“…the United States Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect suggests that Domestic Violence may be the single major precursor to child abuse and neglect fatalities in this country,” the proclamation said. “…more law enforcement officers were shot responding to domestic violence calls than any other type of firearm related fatality in 2017, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.”

Purple Light Night Month is a time to remember all those that have or are being affected by domestic violence, said Anna Cunningham of Parkersburg, crime victim advocate and domestic violence survivor.

She has spoken locally about being sexually assaulted at 13 years old in 1991 and ending up in an abusive marriage from 1995 to 2012, she said, dealing with continuing harassment and intimidation.

Cunningham participated Sept. 10-12 in the Families First Educational Panel at the U.S. Capitol and other events at that time in Washington, D.C. She spoke in front of state and federal lawmakers, attorneys, doctors and advocates from across the country at the Capitol.

“In support of October being the month for awareness, I am asking everyone to light up their porches purple or put a purple candle or lights in their windows,” she said.

Parkersburg residents are not unaffected by domestic violence and its effect on children, families, law enforcement and the entire community, the proclamation said.

“I applaud the initiative of Crime Victim Advocate Anna L. Cunningham in bringing this vital issue to light, PURPLE LIGHT,” Joyce wrote.

Cunningham wants people to know they are not alone.

“I want all victims and survivors of abuse to know that ‘you are not alone,”‘ she said. “We stand together as one. Being a survivor myself, I found comfort and strength in prayer. The Lord is always here to help you.”

She urges people if they need immediate assistance to contact the Family Crisis Intervention Center, 24 hours a day/ seven days a week, at 304-428-2333.

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