FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – Did you know October is “Domestic Violence Awareness Month”? October 20th is known as “Purple Thursday” – a day where everyone is invited to wear purple to help bring awareness to DV. Nearly 1 in 4 women, and 1 in 7 men have suffered severe physical violence by an intimate partner.
Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp says the best way to fight against DV is to talk about it.
“The best way to stop domestic violence is to educate and make people aware exactly what it is,” said Smittcamp in a phone interview. “There are many people who are in domestic violence relationships and they don’t even realize it until it’s brought to their attention that the situation they find themselves in is domestic violence occurring or about to occur.”
The DA’s office is partnering with the Marjaree Mason Center to make sure people know about available resources if someone is in need of help.
Helplines for advice and support include:
Marjaree Mason Center: (559) 233-HELP (4357) or go to their website by clicking here.
National D.V. Hotline: (800) 799-SAFE (7233)
National Dating Abuse Hotline: (800) 331-8474
