For Immediate Release
October 6, 2011
Contact: Rick Liebel
Public Relations and Development Director
814 455-1774 Ext. 234
814 881-6530 cell
Beginning in late September, billboards around the city and county of Erie have promoted the mysterious website www.purplefootprints.org, asking people to log back in on October 6th to register to win a prize. As of today, that door is open and SafeNet will be giving away three $100 gas cards to the lucky winners.
The "Purple Footprint" campaign began several years ago with footprints being placed at several locations in the City of Erie. The campaign is designed to promote awareness during Domestic Violence Awareness month, which is the month of October, and the issues that domestic violence has on our community. This year alone, three murders have occurred within our region as a result of domestic violence.
During the month of October all over the nation, men, women and children will participate in activities and events to raise the national awareness of domestic violence. People from any economic, cultural and social background can became a victim of domestic violence. Sadly, children are often the indirect victims.
Even just witnessing violence affects a child's life, especially if it takes place in the home, a place where children should feel safe. Children who have been exposed to domestic violence have increased chances of being either a batterer or victim in later years of their life. Domestic violence survivors can include every day people you know and see: your hairdresser, doctor, co-workers and even your friends and family.
Survivors of domestic violence come from all backgrounds, and most have something in common; hiding their secret torment behind a mask. In some cases, they don't realize the dominating power and control that their abusive partner has on their lives.
SafeNet serves on an average 300 women, 100 children and 12 men per month. SafeNet, in conjunction with its business partners, have installed our signature purple foot prints at several locations, including Northwest Savings Bank, Highmark, Erie City Hall, Community Health Net and Glass Growers Gallery, just to name a few.
Additional events occurring in October include the third annual "Wear Purple Day" on
Friday October 21st, the third annual "Battle of the Barristers" competition at The Cove on Thursday October 27th, and lastly, the second annual "Boo Run: Save our Soles from Domestic Violence" 5k Trail Run/Walk on Presque Isle State Park on Sunday October 30th.
These events, in addition to many of our community outreach programs at schools, colleges and businesses in the area, are designed to bring awareness to the issue of domestic violence not only in our community, but across the state and nation.
SafeNet is not a homeless shelter, but a safe and confidential place specifically for men, women and children who are victims of domestic violence. From every city and township in the area, victims come to SafeNet seeking support, safety and shelter from physical abuse and threats of violence occurring at home. After 35 years of providing shelter and many other supportive services, SafeNet knows first-hand that there is hope and there is help. SafeNet is Pennsylvania's oldest continuous running domestic violence shelter.
PLEASE NOTE: For interviews with Linda King, Executive Director or any Staff member of Safenet contact Rick Liebel, Public Relations and Development Director at 455- 1774 extension 234, cell 814-881-6530 or email at rliebel@safeneterie.org.
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