Funding for Victims Support Services Coincides With Domestic Violence Awareness Month

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), one in every four women experience domestic violence in their lifetime, and an estimated 1.3 million women in the United Stated are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year. To help stem the rising tide of domestic violence against women, Senator Terrence Murphy recently announced he had secured a $15,000 grant to enhance victim support services provided by the Putnam/Northern Westchester Women's Resource Center (PNWWRC).

 

The announcement, made on the steps of the historic Putnam Valley Courthouse, commemorated Domestic Violence Awareness Day, also known as Purple Thursday. The goal of the day, which takes place during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, is to raise awareness about domestic, spousal, and teen dating violence. People wear purple that day, a color that has long been used by women seeking justice.

 

Senator Murphy was joined at the Courthouse by Putnam Count Executive MaryEllen Odell, a long-time PNWWRC supporter, and Anne Ellsworth, Executive Director for the PNWWRC. A crowd of county employees dressed in purple lined the Courthouse steps in a show of support.

 

"I learned a great deal about what the Women's Resource Center does during Anne's trips to my office in Albany. Most people come to my office to ask for something. Anne came in and said, 'How can I help?'" noted Senator Murphy. "The Center does incredible work, providing services to women who need it the most, and helping them overcome their physical and emotional problems."

Putnam County Executive Odell made a surprise announcement. "Thank you, Senator Murphy, for your continued support of Anne and her staff. I'm proud to announce that the County of Putnam will be providing office space in Putnam Valley, which allow the Women's Resource Center to expand its services."

 

Anne Ellsworth, Executive Director for the PNWWRC said, "We're wearing purple on October 18th to remember all the victims of domestic violence. We've been here for nearly forty years, helping women and their families get their lives back. I want to thank Senator Murphy and County Executive Odell for standing beside us and supporting us. You've helped keep our doors open so that any victim can come to us twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. "

 

Founded in 1979, the Putnam/Northern Westchester Women's Resource Center provides resources, skills workshops and professional counseling to assist women in making informed choices, while working towards their potential in an ever-changing social environment. Staffed by more than forty volunteers, the Center currently serves over 2,000 women, children and men annually through shelter, 24-hour Hotline, and non-residential counseling and advocacy.

 

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the "Day of Unity" held in October 1981 originated by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. It served as a method to connect advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children.