OCTOBER
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Every October, we work hard to raise awareness within our community, educate about domestic violence, and to show support and solidarity with survivors. Learn more about what this month is all about and our efforts to observe it below.
Purple River Lights in Phoenix Park
Thank you to all the generous donors who made purple River Lights in Phoenix Park possible! This is our third annual lighting of the bridge for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we are once again blown away by the support of our community. Thank you.
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Day of Unity - OCT. 6th
October 6th is the Day of Unity. This is a day where we honor the sacrifice of Officer Robert Bolton, our namesake. In honor of the Day of Unity, we have created two videos in an effort to preserve the history and evolution of Bolton Refuge House services and the social change around domestic violence, both locally and nationally.
Phase one: History and Context
Phase Two: Firsthand Accounts
Day of Unity
Star Walk
October 6th, 2022
This year marked the 40th Anniversary of Officer Robert Bolton's passing. The Star Walk was created as a way to honor Bob Bolton, as well as the other victims of domestic violence homicides in Wisconsin.
Along the River Walk in Phoenix Park, we placed stars with the initials of Wisconsin victims of domestic violence homicide, as well as their ages and the county where they were from. Thank you so much to the generous businesses and individuals who sponsored stars.
On October 6th at 6 P.M., we held a brief ceremony to dedicate the Star Walk to Robert Bolton and all victims of domestic violence. Thanks to all who joined us at the Phoenix Park footbridge as we said a few words, laid candles, and held a moment of silence.
In 2021, there were at least 80 deaths as a result of domestic violence. Though we only had stars enough to honor 20, we recognize that each individual deserves to be remembered and have their story told. Please take a look at End Abuse's 2021 Homicide Report to see the full list of victims in 2021, along with context and statistics.
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Purple Porch Project
Enter for the chance to win a Kwik Trip gift card by submitting a photo of your decorations, either by sharing on our Facebook page or by emailing volunteer@boltonrefuge.org
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Every October, we encourage local community members and businesses to decorate their front porches and lawns in purple, the color of Domestic Violence Awareness!
We are so excited to see your creativity!