In honor of October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month, local businesses are partnering with the Freeborn County Crime Victims Crisis Center and the Freeborn County Domestic Violence Partnership collaboration with the United Way to “paint the town purple.”

Over 30 businesses have signed up to display purple lights and posters in their storefronts given to them by the collaborative to bring attention to the issue of domestic violence.

“This is one means to take a stand or (remind others that) it happens here of Domestic Violence Awareness Month,” said Andrea Mauer of the CVCC. “Since Domestic Violence affects us all and our businesses, it is a community health issue and joining in recognition of and standing up against is a proper step forward in bringing the issue to the forefront.”

The CVCC decided not to have its yearly candlelight vigil for domestic violence awareness this year, as weather and low numbers have been issues in years past. Instead, the reading of the names of those lost to domestic violence will take place in March for the center’s “Action Day.”

Mauer said the funding for the collaborative was lower this year, so most of the funds were put toward the strings of lights given out to businesses. Businesses participating were asked to display them this week, or for as long as they are able to.

“We are happy with the beginning of this project thus far, and next year it is sure to be bigger,” Mauer said.