First published in the Nov. 5 print issue of the Glendale News-Press.
Each year, advocates, survivors and supporters recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. On Oct. 27, YWCA and the Glendale Commission on the Status of Women and city officials held the 4th annual Purple Tie Awards on the steps of Glendale City Hall to honor two men working to end domestic violence and build a culture of support for survivors in Glendale.
This year’s Purple Tie honorees included Pasadena Federal Credit Union’s Vice President Howard Smith and Glendale Police Department’s officer Aaron Kim. YWCA Glendale and Pasadena board member Manual Magpapian hosted the awards ceremony. A candle-lighting ceremony led by Glendale City Church’s Pastor Todd Leonard followed the presentation to celebrate survivors’ resilience and strength and mourn those who have lost their lives because of abuse.
YWCA Glendale and Pasadena’s Domestic Violence Program serves more than 2,500 women and children each year through residential and nonresidential services and has served more than 75,000 individuals since the program’s inception in 1979.
Services include a 16-bed emergency shelter that offers safe refuge for women and children escaping domestic violence and addresses their immediate need for safety, shelter, food and clothing.
Free and confidential help is available 24/7 for individuals experiencing domestic violence. Those seeking help may contact the YWCA’s confidential hotline at (888) 999-7511 or visit ywcagp.org for more information.
