Highland County Commissioners proclaimed the month of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month during their meeting Wednesday.
Commissioner Tom Horst read the proclamation, which detailed the widespread impact of domestic violence.
“We greatly appreciate your support,” said Julie Brassel, director of the Alternatives to Violence Center (AVC).
Brassel also described upcoming events in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
This Friday marks the fifth annual AVC Trivia Night fundraiser. According to event material, this year’s theme is: “Lights, Camera, Take Action!”
AVC’s Dara Gullette told The Times-Gazette that participating teams can dress up like a favorite movie character, a favorite actor, or dress like they are going to the Oscars. The decor of the event will include a red carpet and a walk of fame, Gullette said. Trivia questions will be Hollywood-themed and will also include general trivia.
Brassel told commissioners on Wednesday that a total of 25 teams are currently registered for the event, but that AVC could “still squeeze in another table.” She added that the event has had a total of 32 sponsors.
The Trivia Night begins at 7 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, located at 451 Danville Pike in Hillsboro.
Registration is $20 per person and includes dinner and beverages. A cash bar will be available. Each team must have a minimum of five people and a maximum of 10.
A $1,000 prize will be awarded to the first-place team, with additional cash prizes for second and third places as well as the best dressed teams.
Also included will be door prizes, intermission games, and photo stations.
The event will once again be emceed by Spin Doctor Karaoke and VJ.
“It’s going to be a great time,” Brassel said.
She also outlined AVC’s annual Ladders Campaign.
From Oct. 1-9, local businesses and agencies are asked to “display a ladder to represent the steps that victims need to take in order to leave an abusive relationship and what steps the community can take to get involved,” according to material distributed by Brassel.
Purple is the color associated with Domestic Violence Awareness Month so it should be a prominent part of the ladder display. Organizers said that there is no limit to the design of the displays.
Plaques will be given to first-, second-, and third-place winners.
Finally, AVC also formally applied for marriage license fees on Wednesday. Brassell said the funds provide assistance for securing additional federal and state dollars, which must include matching funds.
“Without this funding, we would actually have to turn away grants,” Brassel said.
AVC provides numerous services for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence through: safety planning, finding shelter, a 24-hour crisis line, support sessions for victims, court and emergency legal advocacy, information and referral programs, and 911 cell phones.
For more information about AVC or the upcoming events, call 937-393-8118, or visit the agency’s Facebook page.
Reach Sarah Allen at 937-393-3456, ext. 1680, or on Twitter @SarahAllenHTG.
