In conjunction with October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Jefferson Mayor Craig Berry has declared today “Turning Greene Purple Day” in support of the Greene County Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Abuse Care Center Extending Shelter and Services Domestic Services Coordinator Alicia VanCannon says domestic violence is a behavior that’s used to gain control over another person or maintain power or control that they have.  In 2014, the Jefferson Police Department responded to 74 calls for domestic abuse and the Greene County Sheriff’s office responded to 43.  She talks about the tremendous support that people in Greene County have to protect domestic violence victims.

“We have really great people in Greene County that are active and are great supporters of ACCESS and the Coalition.  Law enforcement has definitely been big supporters and we have just volunteers in the community that serve on the Coalition and are very active.”

ACCESS provides services those victims of domestic violence.  VanCannon also keeps office hours on Fridays from 9am to noon at the First Presbyterian Church or you can call her at 515-520-4119.