Community Corner

High Schoolers Learn to Speak up When Noticing Domestic Violence

If you notice a bit more purple around town, chances are it’s for Domestic Violence Awareness month. As part of Sharon H.U.G.S.’ efforts to raise awareness for the issue, several events and displays will be setup around town during the month of October.

In the high school, students will be attending performances on the signs that teaches students to recognize domestic violence when they see it. Earlier this month, freshman at the high school attended a play performed by Deana's Educational Theater called Remote Control about a high school student whose relationship slowly becomes more violent and controlling over time. The  play is designed to help young teenagers who likely have not been in relationships identify when there may be abuse or violence by a partner.

“That’s the thing, they don’t know what to look for,” Sharon H.U.G.S. vice president Sue Robinson said.

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During the play, performers asked students if they could see changes in the characters involved in the performance and showed what to do when a friend is a victim of domestic violence or when a friend is abusing someone.

Juniors will attend a similar session on consent later this month and programming is scheduled for sophomores in November.

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Informing high school students isn’t the only way Sharon is taking part in Domestic Violence Awareness month. Locally, the spot light in front of the police station will shine purple for the  month of October. The purple light symbolizes the courage of domestic violence survivors and helps bring awareness about the prevalence of DV. 

"Since domestic violence thrives in silence and in darkness, it is important that we shine the light on domestic violence to bring it out of the shadows and out from behind closed doors," Sharon police Lt. Tilden Kaufman said in a press release.

The station also set-up the Garden of Courage to remember the victims of domestic violence.

Purple ribbons will also be displayed outside the Sharon Public Library and Sharon Fire Department during the month. Sharon H.U.G.S. will hang a banner to raise awareness for the issue in the downtown area on Oct. 22


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