By Jay Box and Sherry Currens
Special to NKyTribune
The color purple is often used to portray power, nobility and luxury. But for thousands of individuals affected by domestic violence, purple represents much more than meets the eye. It represents hope, determination and an ongoing struggle to overcome challenges of domestic abuse. October is domestic violence awareness month and across the country, you will see individuals donned in purple ribbons, hats and shirts showing support for this important cause.
Nationally, more than one in three women experience domestic violence in their lifetimes; one in four women experience serious violence. One in four men experience domestic violence in their lifetimes while one in 10 men experience serious violence. Those numbers are higher for Kentuckians which is 11th in the nation for prevalence of domestic violence, according to The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control in 2011.
The Kentucky Coalition against Domestic Violence is partnering with Verizon to hold the 2015 Kentucky HopeLine Drive – an initiative to collect used mobile phones and accessories that Kentuckians may have hiding way in drawers and closets. Donated devices can be from any carrier and in any condition. Phones and accessories collected will be turned into cash grants that will be awarded back to three Kentucky domestic violence agencies.
To further support the efforts of HopeLine, the Kentucky Community and Technical College System will also be participating in this year’s drive by placing collection boxes at all 70 campuses across the state. There is no tolerance of domestic violence within the system and this is a good opportunity to re-ignite conversations about these topics, which are sometimes hard to get started. Dates for collection at KCTCS campuses now through Nov. 13.
In addition, as part of the KCTCS commitment to taking a stand against violence, KCTCS is requiring all students and staff to participate in sexual assault awareness and prevention training.
Devices and accessories collected during the statewide HopeLine Drive through October (and November at KCTCS campuses) are turned into cash grants given to local organizations and programs that support domestic violence survivors, raise awareness and provide community education. Recipients of this year’s grants will be the Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence (which comprises 15 domestic violence organizations across Kentucky), Legal Aid Society of Louisville and the UK Office for Policy Studies on Violence Against Women.
For your nearest KCTCS drop off location, visit KCTCS.edu or call 855-465-2827
If you don’t have a store near you, please email robert@guthriemayes.com and we will arrange to get your donated devices.
Jay Box is the president of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.
Sherry Currens is the executive director of the Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence.