Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Leave a light on

by the Erie County Coalition Against Family Violence

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Erie County Coalition Against Family Violence is taking up the call to end domestic violence and promote safe homes.

On Friday Oct. 25, area residents are asked to leave their porch light on all night in support of individuals and families experiencing domestic violence.

"I'm Keeping My Light On" is an initiative started by Dr. Sandy Murphy of Houston in 1974. Murphy was a young wife and mother who routinely was subjected to physical assaults by her husband. She asked her neighbors to keep the door to their homes unlocked whenever they saw her porch light on, because this would signal she may need to escape her husband's beatings.

To hear more about her inspiring and healing journey, go to http://www.myfoxhouston.com/story/23355014/woman-scarred-by-domestic-violence-requests-friday-night-lights.

"By keeping porch lights on, it lets people in your community know, I'm watching in case there is trouble and you need help," Murphy explained.

The porch light can be a beacon of hope to victims seeking a way out and possibly save the life of a neighbor, loved one or stranger in need of help.

"We need to let victims know I'm here for you," Murphy says.

Turn your porch light on from sunset to dawn on Friday, Oct. 25.