October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month – a time for survivors, advocates, law enforcement officials, and others within the social services and criminal justice systems to join together to promote understanding of this growing crime.



Nationwide a woman is beaten by her partner every nine seconds. In the state of Florida a woman is murdered by her boyfriend or husband every 36 hours.



The purple ribbon campaign by Another Way, a domestic violence advocacy agency, is an effort to raise public awareness of this growing crime. Law enforcement, as well as health and safety officials, are showing their support by tying purple ribbons on police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks.



Another Way, is a non-profit organization that serves victims of domestic and sexual violence. The agency provides individual counseling, support groups, victim advocacy, legal referral, injunction assistance, emergency shelter, and application assistance for victim compensation. All services are free and completely confidential. Anyone in an abusive situation can call the Another Way hotline, available 24-hours a day, at 1-800-500-1119.

To learn more about Another Way, and volunteer or participate in the local task force, call 386-719-2700.