By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services is selling purple light bulbs to light up the night for domestic violence during the month of October.
Residents in the Hays and the Options service area are encouraged to buy the light bulbs, hang them in their store windows and use them in their home outdoor light fixtures.
The program seeks to do three things: support survivors of domestic violence, give hope to people who are still living with abuse and remember victims who lost their lives to domestic violence.
“We want to shine a light on domestic violence,” said Jennifer Hecker, executive director of Options. “It is a very shadowy topic. People don’t want to talk about it. We want to bring it out of the shadows and really shine a light on the devastating impact domestic violence has on our communities and our families.”
Bulbs can be purchased for $2 each at Options, 2716 Plaza, Fantasy Graphics and Hays Academy of Hair Design. Options will have a booth every weekend in the month of September at Big Creek Crossing to sell the bulbs and raise awareness about domestic violence.
“Imagine you are someone who is still living with domestic violence or someone who has survived domestic violence,” Hecker said, “and you drive down the street and you see the entire neighborhood, the entire town, the entire downtown lit up with purple lights. And the message that would send to let them know that in our community we are not going to tolerate domestic violence. We are going to take a stand, and we are going to support the people who are trying to escape and hold perpetrators accountable.”
Domestic violence costs employers hundreds of thousands of dollars each year, can cause lifelong health issues for survivors and the trauma affects brain development among children who witness domestic violence, Hecker said.
Sometimes it is difficult for people in a small community to admit that they might know someone who is an abuser. However, woman who live in rural communities are 22 percent more likely to be victims of domestic violence than their urban peers.
“Because people know each other, they don’t want to believe that something like that can be happening in their town,” Hecker said, “or that their friend or neighbor or some who they trust and respect in the community can be perpetrating these crimes.”
Options has seen a 174 percent increase in domestic violence services in the last year, because in part of a greater awareness of services and the signs of domestic violence, Hecker said.
Options provides personal, medical, court, law enforcement, youth/child and parent/child advocacy, as well as crisis intervention, a safe shelter, counseling, support groups, community education and a 24-hour Helpline.
Nationally, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Purple is the color for domestic violence awareness. From 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 5, Options will host its second-annual Purple Light Night in Massey Park. The free event will serve as a family activity night as well as an attempt to bring awareness to the issue of domestic violence.
Grand Rental Station, Be Made, Taco Shop, Popped, Breathe Coffee House and McDonald’s have all agreed to be sponsors for the event. The Press will be providing cinnamon rolls and chili for the first 75 people, Trinity Lutheran will provide a game and the Hays Area Children’s Center will have a ball pit for the kids. Scentsy representative Amanda Long will be present, and a portion of her proceeds will go to Options. There also will be face painting and children’s tattoos, as well as a game for adults.
A tree in Massey Park will be strung with purple lights, and the event will include a tree-lighting ceremony.
The chief of police, sheriff and mayor will all speak at the event. Organizations or individuals who would like to help sponsor the event should contact Ashley Hecker at Options at (785) 625-4202.
Options’ 24-hour hotline is (800) 794-4624. No appointment is needed to seek Options’ services.