By Adam Studzinski
NORMAL – The Normal Police Department is beginning Domestic Violence Awareness month by taking part in the Purple Tie Initiative.
Purple is the color for domestic violence awareness.
“The individuals are just encouraged to wear a purple tie or purple item of clothing to show support for victims and survivors of domestic violence,” said NPD Assistant Chief Steve Petrilli. “And to raise awareness the domestic violence is everybody’s business.”
Petrilli added the department is participating in Mid Central Community Action’s campaign called “Stand Up With Me! A Victims Call to Their Community.”
“The idea of it, I believe, is just coming together as a community and standing up against domestic violence,” said Petrilli. “And taking an active role as an agency, as a community, to stand up and say that victims have rights.”
Petrilli said it becomes easier to discuss domestic violence when the community comes together as a whole.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at adam.studzinski@cumulus.com.
