The month of October is recognized nationwide as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This year, for the first time, Erie County Hall will mark the month by illuminating purple during evenings.
In Erie County this year, six victims of domestic violence have died in their respective incidents, including a mother and son. Seven domestic violence homicides were recorded in Erie County last year, while police agencies throughout the county reported a total 5,768 victims.
"Domestic violence tears families apart and costs society incalculably," said Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael Flaherty. "Parents lose their children to violence and society loses productive members to fear, injury, and sometimes death."
Domestic violence advocates within the DA's office say that every minute, about 20 people nationwide are suffering some form of domestic violence.
"Survivors of domestic violence and intimate partner violence come from all walks of life," said Tina Pilkey, Director of Domestic Violence Support Services in the DA's office. "They are our neighbors, our friends, co-workers and our family.
"We often believe that domestic violence is something that happens to someone else. But the reality is, one in three women and one in four men have been victims of some form of physical violence in their lifetime."
Erie County provides the BE-SAFE advocacy program for victims as well as a 24-hour hotline to call: 862-HELP.
