Naples, FL – The Shelter for Abused Women & Children is urging the community to join in a nationwide effort to raise awareness about intimate partner abuse by getting involved in National Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October.

“One in four women will be abused at some time in their lives… we want to make sure the community is aware of not only the stark reality of domestic violence in our communities, but also that help and hope are available to victims and their loved ones,” explains Shelter Director of Programs Jan Christiansen.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an outgrowth from the first Day of Unity hosted by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence in October of 1981 and was first observed in October of 1987. In 1989, the US Congress passed the first National Domestic Violence Awareness Month Commemorative Legislation and continues to pass the legislation each year in an effort to bring life-saving attention to the many and varied issues that comprise domestic violence/intimate partner abuse.

“This is a way to educate our elected officials, the media, our neighbors and loved ones about the epidemic of domestic violence,” details Christiansen. “Also, this legislation provides a way for individuals and communities across the country to honor those who have died at the hands of their intimate partners, while providing hope and healing for their families.”

As part of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Shelter for Abused Women & Children will host:

• Educating with Emery Boards at Publix locations throughout Collier County on Sunday, September 30, 2007, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. to kick-off Domestic Violence Awareness Month (locations to be announced).
• Cell Phone Drive throughout the month individuals and businesses will be able to drop their new and gently-used cell phones off at locations throughout Collier County so that they can be recycled and used by Shelter program participants for emergency 911 calls only. Locations include Options Thrift Shoppe, Starbucks throughout Naples, the Neighborhood Health Clinic and more than 50 other sites (call for more information: 239-775-3862).
• Children’s March on Main the Shelter’s Immokalee Outreach Office will host children’s activities from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Monday, October 29, 2007, followed by a police-escorted Children’s March on Main Street from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Details to follow).

To learn more about the Shelter for Abused Women & Children’s National Domestic Violence Month campaign, including becoming a drop off location for the cell phone drive and/or taking an active role in Educating with Emery Boards, please call 239-775-3862, or email to info@naplesshelter.org.

For details on the Children’s March on Main in Immokalee, please call the Immokalee Outreach Office at 239-657-5617.

For more information about the Shelter for Abused Women & Children, programs and services, please call 239-775-3862, or visit the Shelter’s website at www.naplesshelter.org.

###

The Shelter for Abused Women & Children helps adult and child victims and survivors of domestic violence through safety, intervention and support; educates the public about domestic violence; and advocates for social change against domestic violence. For more information, please contact us at 239-775-3862, or visit us online at: www.naplesshelter.org

Media Contact: Mary Ann T. Green, mgreen@naplesshelter.org, 239-775-3862, ext. 211