To the editor:

This month, domestic violence advocates from all around come together to raise awareness of domestic violence and work together to provide coordinated services to those who have survived abusive relationships.

Every nine seconds, a woman is beaten in the United States; and one out of four women has experienced some form of domestic abuse.

Domestic violence is often kept silent, and we must do everything we can to help domestic violence victims escape abuse. Domestic violence affects everyone, especially the children who witness the abuse.

The Genieve Shelter is a nonprofit organization committed to raising public awareness of domestic violence, saving lives and also motivating victims to walk away from abusive relationships. The Genieve Shelter serves Isle of Wight, the town of Smithfield, Southampton County and the cities of Suffolk and Franklin.

The Genieve Shelter’s mission and vision is to provide a safe and supportive environment for the victims of domestic violence and to provide information, education, and training services that focus on ending domestic violence.

The color purple represents courage, survival and a dedication to ending domestic violence.

During the month of October and beyond, you can help in the movement to raise awareness of domestic violence and in ending domestic violence in our communities by wearing purple, donating funds to help the agency provide adequate services, or becoming a volunteer.

For additional information, contact The Genieve Shelter at 925-4365.

Mary Williams-Davis

Executive Director

The Genieve Shelter