Have you seen the purple ribbons displayed around Luverne? For survivors of domestic violence, the color purple is meant to be a symbol of peace, courage, survival, honor and dedication to ending violence.
The purple ribbons are for these individuals and a reminder to all of us that domestic violence is a real and dangerous threat.
Rock County is a vibrant healthy community, but we, like every community across the United States, are not immune to domestic violence in our families and in our homes.
Violence of any kind is heartbreaking, but domestic violence inflicted by people we love is particularly cruel and especially hard to escape.
In Minnesota, 25 people died from domestic violence-related incidents in 2024, including 13 victims of intimate partner violence.
This doesn’t account for dozens of reported domestic assaults that have resulted in serious injuries and an unknown number of those that go unreported every year.
The violence affects not only the victims and their ability to work and function in daily life, but it also affects children and their ability to feel stable in their homes and their ability to function and learn in school.
Domestic violence is an ever-present fact of life for many Rock County families and families nationwide.
Fortunately, there is hope and there is help.
The Southwest Crisis Center exists to provide support, advocacy and hope to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence.
These staff members and volunteers are responsible for displaying the purple ribbons in support of individuals impacted by domestic violence in our community.
The campaign continues throughout October, but domestic violence is a year-round problem.
And we can do more than simply display purple.
The Southwest Crisis Center accepts tax-deductible donations to help fund its support of local families.
Donations directly fund their programs and services that provide advocacy and support to survivors of domestic abuse.
Donations also support their youth programs and community awareness efforts, and help pay for emergency shelter, food, transportation and post-examination clothing for victims.
Find the “donate” button at mnswcc.org.
The Southwest Crisis Center in Luverne is located at 114 West Main Street, and the phone number is 507-283-9917. The 24/7 safe line is 507-376-4311.
