October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Troy University’s S.A.V.E. Project will be working throughout the month to spread awareness about the issue.

“Domestic Violence is often called a silent epidemic since many victims don’t talk about or report the abuse,” said Jenny Duncan, assistant coordinator and counselor for the S.A.V.E. Project. “One of the SAVE Project’s main goals is to give those victims a voice and help break that silence. Students can help with this effort by showing their support and participating in these, as well as other Domestic Violence Awareness events on campus throughout the month.”

S.A.V.E. (Sexual Assault and Violence Education) will pass out purple bracelets on campus on Oct. 1 and 2 and the group is asking those who pick one up to wear it throughout the month. Purple is the official color of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The group is also hosting “The Clothesline Project” on Oct. 17 from 10 a.m .to 2 p.m. on the Bibb Graves Quad. The project will allow the campus community to recognize those who have been affected by domestic violence by decorating a T-shirt in their honor. T-shirts will be hung on a clothesline to serve as a visual reminder and a way to promote healing. Shirts and decorating supplies will be provided.

The Sexual Assault and Violence Education (SAVE) Project is a grant-funded program at Troy University that provides support, counseling, advocacy and outreach services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Funding for the S.A.V.E. Project is provided to the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs from the Office of Justice Programs, Department of Justice, Violence Against Women grant program.