Louisiana, Let’s Get Crazy & Put a Purple Bulb in Our Front Porch Light
The following is something that should scare the heck out of all of us. These are statistics, but this is also reality. Right now a woman or young girl you know is experiencing this. There are many of these statistics, but let me just highlight two:
Every 9 Seconds in the US a woman is assaulted or beaten.
Nearly 1 in 5 teenage girls who have been in a relationship said a boyfriend threatened violence or self-harm when presented with a breakup.
If you drive around Acadiana you likely will only see a typical light bulb in place for someone's front porch light. Occasionally you'll see a green one to represent those who have or are serving in the military.
This month, Faith House of Acadiana is asking everyone to put a purple light in place of your regular light bulb for the whole month of October in order to signify that you are recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
What Is the "Faith House Purple Light Project: Shining Light on Domestic Violence"
We, as a community, are being encouraged to donate ten dollars to Faith House for a purple light and then put the purple light up in the light on your front porch. Or, if you prefer to buy your own light, that's fine too, but why not donate the ten dollars to a program that helps women and children who are escaping violence in their own homes?
By putting on the purple light you do the following:
Shed light on the issue of domestic violence in our community
Illuminate the night and show support for survivors of abuse
It serves to remind us that not every home is a safe place
It allows us to join the movement of HOPE for an end to domestic violence
If you are a business owner, and you want to get involved please get in touch with ella@faithhouseacadiana.com for more information about business involvement.
If you are a business owner, please pay attention to this statistic, even if you don't think domestic violence impacts your workplace:
Domestic violence victims lose nearly 8 million days of paid work per year in the US alone-the equivalent of 32,000 full-time jobs.
Statistics are provided by https://domesticviolencestatistics.org/domestic-violence-statistics/ which is one of the many organizations with resources.
The confidential 24/7 hotline for Faith House is 1-888-411-1333.
If you would like to call the local number for Faith House it is 337-232-8954.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233.
So who is with us? Who is going to contact Faith House to get their purple light?