Safe Passage traveling to raise domestic violence awareness

By The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

MELBOURNE — October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. As part of the nationwide effort to make people aware of the devastating toll of domestic abuse on women and children, Safe Passage, Inc. will host "The Clothesline Project" and "Display a Purple Ribbon."

Since 2003, Safe Passage, Inc. has offered counseling and advocacy for victims of abuse in Fulton and Izard Counties. Their shelter opened in Izard County in 2004.

Safe Passage Director Lorri Rorie said, "Recently three women were murdered in nearby counties. There were 30 women killed in Arkansas in 2007 by their intimate partners. We need the public's help in getting the word out that there is help for those suffering abuse. Only about half of the victims ever report abuse."

As it travels around the state, "The Clothesline Project" will arrive at Harps Grocery on Arkansas 56 in Calico Rock on Friday and at Baker's Pharmacy on Arkansas 62 in Salem on Saturday. The program will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. both dates.

"Display a Purple Ribbon" is a symbol of support for battered women. The Women'sFellowship of First Baptist Church of Calico Rock is making purple ribbons. Baskets of ribbons will be placed in stores, restaurants and other locations in Izard and Fulton counties. Each basket has a jar for those who want to make a donation to Safe Passage, Inc.

Rorie added, "We have made great progress preventing domestic violence and helping the victims, but there is so much more to be done. If you know or suspect someone is a victim of domestic violence, we have information that you can use to show this person how to get help. Pick up a brochure, talk to us at the Clothesline Project, call us or stop by our thrift store."

Safe Passage seeks donations and volunteers to continue their programs. They help victims in need of medical care, orders of protection, shelter, job placement and other services. The Safe Passage thrift store is located on Arkansas 56 in Melbourne, open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and every other Saturday. Donated items are welcome. For more information about Safe Passage and its programs, call (870) 368-3222 or e-mail safepassage72556@yahoo.com.

Three Rivers, Pages 123 on 10/12/2008