Gov. Mary Fallin boosts awareness of domestic violence
Published: October 13th, 2015
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin, the Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (OCADVSA), Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), Domestic Violence Intervention Services (DVIS) and Verizon Wireless Oklahoma held “Wear Purple Day” last week. The observance aimed to promote awareness of domestic violence issues, and recognition for those who have helped combat the growing crime.
In a statement provided to The City Sentinel, the state’s chief executive said she was “honored to be a part of a diverse coalition of Oklahomans and Oklahoma businesses” who have joined together “to let domestic violence victims know they have our support and to continue raising awareness about this problem and its’ effect on men and women in Oklahoma and across the country.”
Wear Purple Day in Oklahoma took place Thursday, October 8, as one of several public awareness events planned for Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). The color purple is the symbol of the Domestic Violence awareness movement.
Across the country, families and friends of victims have adorned purple clothing or ribbons to remember and honor loved ones who have lost their lives as a result of domestic violence.
Businesses in Oklahoma lit their buildings purple to show support for victims of domestic violence. Some of the businesses include: Myriad Garden Bridge and Dunlap Codding Attorney Referral Service. Also showing support are: Chesapeake Arena, OU Beacon of Hope, Cory’s Audio Visual, Peter K. Schaffer, Attorney, Lippert Bros., Inc., Drill Right Technology and NorthCare.
A full list of businesses participating can be found here.
“It’s critical that we keep the conversation about domestic violence, and resources for victims, going throughout the year,” said Kristi Crum, president of Verizon Oklahoma.
“The spirit and involvement of Oklahomans is continually astounding, and that is why I encourage them to join Governor Fallin in promoting awareness as we wear purple.”
Oklahoma Speaker of the House Jeffrey W. Hickman, R-Fairview, represented Fallin at the recent program recognizing “Excellence in Action Against Domestic Violence.” The state government has been active in promoting awareness and sensitivity to domestic violence issues for several years.
Hickman presented nine-year-old Mason Boring the award as a “Victim Service Volunteer.” The young man spent his birthday raising money for Northwest Domestic Crisis Services in Woodward.
Also speaking at the awards event was Verizon’s Patrick Lee, who addressed the importance of increased resources for advocacy agencies, and Assistant Attorney General Mike Hunter, who focused on awareness issues and policies.
For more information on Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities or to seek assistance please visit or call 1-800-522-7233.
A spokesperson for Verizon said in a press release the firm “operates the nation’s largest and most reliable 4G LTE network. As the largest wireless company in the U.S., Verizon Wireless serves 106.2 million retail customers, including 100.1million retail postpaid customers. Verizon Wireless is wholly owned by Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ).”
NOTE: Editor Patrick B. McGuigan contributed to this report.