GCC supports domestic violence awareness

College to host 'Think Purple' event Oct. 15

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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and on Wednesday, Oct. 15, all seven campus locations of Genesee Community College are taking part in a one-day project to shine the light on domestic violence through a number of purple-themed initiatives.

Much as pink has become identified with the fight against breast cancer, organizers are hoping the color purple draws attention to the plight of victims who suffer violence at the hands of loved ones. This is the third year for the college's "Think Purple" campaign.

Students from the student health awareness group, the Alpha Epsilon Gamma service organization, GCC cheer and dance team and GCC ambassadors will distribute neon purple glow bracelets.

"When people put them on, we ask that they snap the bracelet and take a moment to think about victims of domestic violence," said GCC counselor Jeannie Burdick, who's organizing the event.

The Batavia campus also will be awash in the color purple with balloon bouquets imprinted with facts and figures about abuse that can be physical, emotional, psychological or sexual in nature.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. information tables will be set up in the Forum highlighting the YWCA domestic violence program, RESTORE Rape Crisis Services, GCC counseling and campus safety. Purple T-shirts emblazoned with "GCC Supports...Paws Off" also will be sold for $5, with the proceeds benefiting the Genesee County Domestic Violence Program.

The Clothesline Project will be featured on the Forum stage for viewing. Survivors and supporters are offered the opportunity to create their own shirt. GCC's campus radio station, WGCC 90.7 FM, will join the event to interview students and help spread the word about domestic violence.

As the evening falls, GCC's Clock Tower Plaza will be illuminated with purple lights to further call attention to the issue following the lead of the SUNY Administration Building in Albany.

"We invite everyone to join us and shine the light on domestic violence," Burdick said. "Together we can make a difference."

For more information, contact Marketing Communications Associate Director Donna Rae Sutherland at 585-343-0055, ext. 6616, or via email: [email protected].