SHARE

Rhinebeck's Astor Services Spotlights Domestic Violence With Purple Ribbons

RHINEBECK, N.Y. -- Survivors of domestic violence have support this month in recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

From left, Renee Fillette, James McGuirk, Luke Kelly, Sean McLaughlin and Michele Pollock Rich display purple ribbons in recognition National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

From left, Renee Fillette, James McGuirk, Luke Kelly, Sean McLaughlin and Michele Pollock Rich display purple ribbons in recognition National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Photo Credit: Contributed

Astor Services for Children & Families in Rhinebeck and the Bronx is holding a purple ribbon campaign in solidarity with survivors of domestic violence. 

During the monthlong campaign, the organization's hundreds of employees will wear purple ribbons to spread awareness about the issue. 

In addition, Astor, with the help of the state Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, is organizing a series of domestic violence training programs for its employees, including supervisors, clinicians and foster care employees. 

The training will take place this fall and winter, with the goal of creating a well-informed workforce equipped to deal with the various issues surrounding domestic violence as they influence the workplace and the children and families that Astor serves. 

"Together with OPDV and Grace Smith House, we are working to provide each of our more than 800 employees in the Hudson Valley and the Bronx with the training and resources they need to take care of one another and those we serve," said Renee Fillette, Astor's chief operating officer.

"This is an enduring partnership and lasting commitment to eliminating the devastation of domestic violence in our community."

On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner. Roughly one in three women and one in four men have been victims of a form of physical violence at the hands of an intimate partner within their lifetime. 

The devastating impact of domestic violence carries from the home into the workforce and communities, affecting victims, their neighbors, relatives and colleagues. 

Children who are exposed to domestic violence often experience mental, emotional and social harm that can adversely affect their early development and leave them feeling isolated, vulnerable, anxious and depressed. 

Experts believe that children who are raised in abusive homes can be more prone to replicating violence later in life. 

For more information, visit the state Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence website at http://opdv.ny.gov/ or call 800-942-6906.

to follow Daily Voice Northwest Dutchess and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE