(HURON COUNTY, ON) – This upcoming Saturday marks the first day of November and the start of Woman Abuse & Awareness Month in Ontario. In an effort to spread awareness about woman abuse issues in our county an awareness campaign will commence Saturday, November 1, 2014. Members from the Huron County Domestic Assault Review Team (D.A.R.T), Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Victim Services of Huron County and Huron County Crime Stoppers have teamed up for an awareness initiative.
Between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. team members will be stationed at six participating grocery stores spread throughout Huron County and they will be handing out complimentary re-usable grocery bags to customers as they enter the store. These purple tote bags have a prominent and important message on the bag. “Abuse is a crime and if someone suspects abuse they should report it to policeâ€Â. The choice of colour for the grocery bags is not by accident. The colour purple is a symbol of courage, survival and honour and it has come to symbolize the fight to end woman abuse.
“Domestic violence is a serious crime that needs to be reported. If you know someone who is a victim of domestic violence, please call police immediately. If you are experiencing domestic violence, remember, you are not alone. There is help available. If you are in immediate danger call 9-1-1 and police will assist you in getting the help you need to move forward in safety and security†– Provincial Constable Leanne Wilhelm, Huron County OPP Domestic Violence Coordinator
So when you make your trip out to the grocery store this Saturday you may just end up with a nice complimentary bag and if you don’t get one at least you now have a better understanding of the message they represent.