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“Home should be a place of warmth and unconditional love, tranquility and security and for most of us home and family can indeed be counted among our greatest blessings,” Tesei said. “Tragically for many Americans these are blessings that are tarnished by violence and fear.”
Police Chief James Heavey and Fire Chief Peter Siecienski also took part in the ceremony.
The giant purse, built by YWCA Greenwich, was designed to raise awareness about domestic violence, which is the most reported violent crime in Greenwich, police said.
YWCA Greenwich provides domestic abuse services in Greenwich.
“Domestic violence doesn’t discriminate,” said Mary Lee A. Kiernan, president and CEO of YWCA Greenwich. “It affects people of all races, genders, religions and income levels, even in Greenwich.”
The purple purse is a metaphor for women’s power and purple is the color of domestic violence. Most people think only of physical abuse when they consider domestic violence. However, according to the Allstate Foundation, financial abuse happens in 99 percent of all domestic violence cases.
During October, the Allstate Foundation sponsors the Purple Purse Challenge, an online fundraising event to raise money to support domestic abuse services. YWCA Greenwich is participating in the challenge. The organization that raises the most money will receive a $100,000 grant from the Allstate Foundation.
The purple purse will travel around town all month to remind the community how they can contribute to the purple purse challenge. Also, Greenwich shops will have purple ribbons and information about domestic violence and how to seek help.
To donate to the YWCA Purple Purse Challenge, go to www.ywcagreenwich.org/purplepurse.
YWCA Greenwich is also hosting several events this month at 259 E. Putnam Ave. All events are free and open to the public:
- Oct. 11, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.: YWCA Greenwich will hold a candlelight vigil to celebrate survivors and honor victims who have lost their lives to domestic violence. Greenwich High School Coach John Marinelli will receive the Purple Ribbon Award for his efforts in raising awareness about teen dating violence and the role of athletes in the community. A reception will follow in the Gertrude G. White Art Gallery where art created by YWCA Domestic Abuse Services clients will be on display.
- Oct. 16 to 20 is designated by YWCA USA as the national Week Without Violence. The week raises awareness about the increase in statistics of death from domestic abuse when a firearm is in the house. During the week, YWCA Greenwich will host the Silent Witness Project, an art display that represents victims who have lost their lives to domestic violence.
- Oct. 20, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: YWCA Greenwich will hold a community discussion, "DV 101 – Understanding Domestic Violence." YWCA staff will discuss myths and facts about domestic violence, how to recognize warning signs, and how to respond in a safe and productive way. To register, send an email to e.oconnor@ywcagreenwich.org.
- Oct. 28, 3 to 4 p.m.: the YWCA will host Curiosity Concert, led by renowned pianist, Jenny Lin. Registration is required.
For more information about Domestic Violence Awareness Month events and how to register, go to www.ywcagreenwich.org. If you or someone you know is in need of help, call the YWCA hotline at 203-622-0003. All calls are confidential and services are free to anyone who reaches out to YWCAGreenwich Domestic Abuse Services.
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