By Adam Studzinski
BLOOMINGTON – It’s now October and that means it’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Director of Countering Domestic Violence at Mid Central Community Action Senna Adjabeng said they have a series of events planned to recognize the month and create awareness, such as the Domestic Violence Awareness Training Workshop.
“That is more of a condensed version of our 40 hour domestic violence training,” said Adjabeng. “We’re hoping that we will be able to educate the public and professionals about the dynamics of domestic violence.
“We also will be talking about the effects of domestic violence on children, because that’s an important piece, and then we have one of our advocates who has a story to share about her experience with domestic violence.”
The workshop is open to the public and will take place Oct. 16 at the Bloomington Public Library from noon-4 p.m.
Adjabeng said there’s also the Purple Purse Challenge, which is taking place through Oct. 27.
“It’s to raise funds and awareness for our Neville House Shelter and services,” said Adjabeng. “The challenge is an online fundraiser, but one of the main topics that they raise is financial empowerment for women.”
To donate to the Purple Purse Challenge, head to www.crowdrise.com/MidCentralCommunityAction.
Residents can also take part in the cell phone drive until the end of December. The public can donate cell phones to be used as part of a 911 Safety Plan or recycled for Client Assistance funds.
Adjabeng hoped October will help create more conversation about domestic abuse and develop a greater understanding for what its victims are going through.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].
