Contact: Chase Tarrier, Public Policy Coordinator,
608.237.3985 or chaset@endabusewi.org
Madison — Simultaneous events took place in Madison, Stevens Point and Milwaukee today to remember the victims killed in domestic violence incidences in 2016. These annual events are intended to honor those who lost their lives and raise awareness about the warning signs of lethal violence. The walk that took place in Madison, known as the Purple Ribbon Walk, circled the Capitol Square and was organized by End Domestic Abuse WI in conjunction with Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS), Zonta Club of Madison and Unidos Against Domestic Violence.
“Each year this event has represented for us a time of remembrance and reflection on the lives that were lost as well as an opportunity for the community to come together to grieve the loss of life and recognize why our work is so critically important,” said Patti Seger, executive director of End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin.
“As the only domestic violence shelter in Dane County, we witness firsthand the devastation that domestic violence inflicts on our community every year,” said Shannon Barry, Executive Director of DAIS. “The Purple Ribbon Walk is an important part of our community’s healing process and helps us to understand the homicide risk factors that must be acknowledged in order to protect survivors in abusive relationships.”
“At Zonta Club of Madison, we are proud to join hands with our partners at End Abuse, DAIS, Unidos Against Domestic Violence and many other organizations dedicated to eradicating violence and lifting up the voices of victims,” said President Nancy McCulley. “This event is so important because it shines a light on an issue that often still goes underreported in our communities. By recognizing the domestic violence deaths and honoring those who lost their lives we hope to bring people together to continue our work to end gendered violence.”
“The Purple Ribbon Walk is a sad event each year, but it also shows our community’s commitment to honoring victims, protecting survivors and the unequivocal goal of eradicating domestic violence from our world,” said Veronica Figueroa, Executive Director of Unidos Against Domestic Violence. “By honoring these victims we remember what our work is all about and just how important our efforts are. We hope the rest of the community will join us in recognizing these victims and their families by making sure that their loss did not occur in vain, but instead reinvigorated our efforts to protect and empower all survivors.”
The Purple Ribbon Walk took place after a reading of the names of all the victims of domestic violence from 2016.
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End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin: The Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence is the leading voice for victims of domestic abuse in Wisconsin. At End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin, we educate shelter and program volunteers and advocates, law enforcement, legislators, and community members to provide safety and support to survivors. We strive to shift Wisconsin from the attitudes and beliefs that cause domestic violence to values of mutual respect and equality, and we partner with communities in the effort to prevent and end domestic abuse.
We encourage reporters to include the National Domestic Violence Hotline number [1−800−799−SAFE(7233)] in their stories for victims who need help. A list of local Wisconsin domestic violence victim service providers can be found at http://www.endabusewi.org.
