New Directions promotes domestic violence awareness

Oct. 09--GREENSBURG -- New Directions staff and members of the group's teen council worked to promote awareness of domestic violence and available services at the Greensburg Community High School football game Friday.

They worked to share information about Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which lasts through October, and the many services provided by Decatur County's domestic violence shelter, New Directions, and Ripley County's shelter, Safe Passage.

The teen council volunteers stopped passersby to ask if they would get a single fingernail painted purple -- the domestic violence awareness color -- and use it as a talking point to get the conversation started with others. Dozens of men, women, teens, and children stopped by the table to get their nail painted, take a sticker or hand clapper, or even to get a purple ribbon face painted.

At halftime, volunteers with New Directions threw rolls of toilet paper wrapped with purple tissue -- to make a soft version of the organization's purple pumpkins, which have been placed at businesses throughout the Tree City in support of domestic violence awareness.

Raising awareness of domestic violence is only half the battle, however. Both New Directions and Safe Passage work to educate the community about the intricacies of domestic violence and the many forms it can take. Counseling for victims and preventative education are also vital parts of what both organizations do.

"Please join your community in raising awareness for the problem of domestic violence and be part of the change to create happier and healthier communities," Straight said.

For more information about Safe Passage, contact Mary Mattingly at mmattingly@safepassageinc.org or 812-212-1274.

Anyone interested in learning more about opportunities to get involved with New Directions should contact Victim Advocate Leslie Straight at ndirect4@etczone.com or 812-662-8223.

Contact: Amanda Browning 812-663-3111x7004; amanda.browning@greensburgdailynews.com

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