Domestic Violence Awareness Month continues throughout October and ADHS employees keep awareness efforts fresh at the mid-month mark. Today is Wear Purple Day for our department. The color represents a reminder to all of us to lend support in our community and bring an end to domestic violence.

Many of our partners are showing support this month offering many ways for you to learn more. The Governor’s Commission to Prevent Violence Against Women provides information on warning signs and details on creating a safety plan. The Maricopa Association of Governments has a state wide list of events and activities from fundraisers to kickball games taking place throughout October. The Maricopa County Department of Public Health will use recently compiled data from Arizona employers and employees’ attitudes and perceptions about domestic violence and behavioral health to address behavioral health and domestic violence needs to employers in ways that matter.

As I walk through our campus I am happy to see an abundance of purple. This visual symbol serves as a conversation starter. Domestic violence affects all ages, races, religions, socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels. There are resources out there to help. The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence provides information, referrals and explanations about domestic violence and legal issues. Visit azcadv.org or call 800-782-6400.