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"We Shall Be Heard"

HAVEN has an opportunity for you to help us realize our mission, to eliminate domestic and sexual violence in our local communities, through an awareness campaign that launched on October 1st. This campaign features the 2008 HAVEN calendar, We Shall Be Heard, and illustrates the strength and inspirational messages of local violence survivors.

The calendars, underwritten by OnStar by GM and the Metro Detroit Saturn Dealers, were created to offer a voice to those who have suffered in silence, bring awareness to the prevalence of violence in our community, and encourage people to seek help if and when it is needed.

Many people believe that domestic and sexual violence only 'happens' to the weak, the poor and the uneducated. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Domestic and sexual violence is about power and control - it does not discriminate. With one in three women in Michigan having suffered from this violence in their lifetime - survivors are no different from you - they are your friends, your neighbors, your colleagues, your family, you.

Calendars are currently available for purchase for $14.95. You can order your calendar from our website www.haven-oakland.org, by calling (248) 334-1284 ext.340, or by email at calendar@haven-oakland.org.

Calendars make great holiday gifts! Proceeds benefit HAVEN services. Show your support by ordering yours today. Quantities are limited.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Join HAVEN this month in acknowledging and promoting the need to eliminate domestic violence in Oakland County and surrounding communities. The goals of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) are to mourn those who have died because of domestic violence, celebrate those who have survived, and connect those who work to end violence.

Wear a purple ribbon throughout the month of October to support survivors of domestic violence. The purple ribbon has become one of the most prominent symbols of the battered women’s movement. The purple ribbon raises awareness about the crime of domestic violence and honors those who have lost their lives at the hands of someone they once loved or trusted.

Why the Color Purple?
The color purple represents the courage, survival, honor and dedication to ending domestic violence.

The exact history of the origins of choice of purple is unclear. However, there is one tragic story which is believed to be the explanation of the origins of Purple as the color of this movement.

Lisa Bianco was a woman from the Midwest in the 1980s who left her abusive relationship. She then began working in battered women’s program in her community. Although her batterer had been sent to jail, he obtained a temporary furlough.

During this release, he crossed state lines, went to her home and killed her in the street in front of her neighbors.
After her murder, her friends and family wanted to remember the life and work of this woman and chose to wear her favorite color in her honor - the color purple.

The purple ribbon also has been recognized by State Legislatures in proclamations commemorating October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In addition to the demonstration of support for survivors and advocates, the display of purple ribbons throughout a community conveys the powerful message that there is no place for domestic violence in our homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, or schools.

Domestic violence is a significant problem. There is a domestic violence homicide every three days in Michigan. HAVEN has been actively working to end domestic violence in Oakland County for more than thirty years by providing treatment and prevention services. But we cannot do it alone. Domestic violence impacts the entire community. As a community we need to rally together to make a difference.

Click here to get a HAVEN calendar of events.

Click here to download a HAVEN flyer for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

I want to help HAVEN!
There are four main ways to help:

Make a donation

Volunteer

Tell a friend (Don't worry; HAVEN does not share our list, and your friends can opt out of receiving our information at any time.) Visit www.haven-oakland.org for details.

I'd like to schedule a HAVEN speaker! And we want to speak to your group! To schedule a speaker, contact Megan Widman at mwidman@haven-oakland.org or 248-334-1284 X 360.