Putnam Stands Against Domestic Violence

CARMEL, N.Y. – Purple is the color that represents the domestic violence awareness.  Putnam County’s employees wore purple colored clothing to work on Wednesday, Oct. 21. Many joined Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell in a photograph with Putnam/Northern Westchester Women’s Resource Center (WRC) Executive Director Ann Ellsworth to show their support for the WRC’s initiatives to end domestic violence.

“Wearing purple and standing outside on the Historic County Courthouse steps during the day draws attention briefly to subject of domestic violence in Putnam,” said Odell.  “But Ann Ellsworth’s work and that of her staff at the Women’s Resource Center is on-going. This is the least we can do to help bring awareness to the public about the problems too many residents of Putnam face as victims of domestic violence.”

The Putnam Northern Westchester Women’s Resource Center provides advocacy, education and services to the community in order to create a safe, supportive environment that eliminates violence against women and children and promotes gender equality.

“We can only make strides against domestic violence when the silence is broken,” said Ellsworth. “I am grateful for the support that MaryEllen and the County employees always show for our efforts. It is always the right time to stand up and get the word out about domestic violence.”

Each October, which is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the WRC and People Against Domestic Violence (PADV) hold a Candlelight Vigil on the Historic County Courthouse steps to draw attention to the on-going problems arising from domestic violence.  The vigil will be held on Monday, Oct. 26, at 6 p.m. Refreshments and speakers will follow at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Fair Street, Carmel.

In addition, the Historic County Courthouse is illuminated purple at night for the month of October.

Photo Caption: County Executive MaryEllen Odell joined Putnam/Northern Westchester Women’s Resource Center Executive Director Ann Ellsworth and Sheriff Donald B. Smith on the Historic County Courthouse steps where County employees had gathered. Wednesday was Wear Purple to Work Day at the County to show support for putting an end to domestic violence.