Ramsey Resident - 2018 - September/October

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Community Spotlight: The Purple Lights Initiative Raising Awareness of Domestic Violence Violence Awareness Month. To raise awareness of this community. We cannot look the other way, report issue in our community, the City of Ramsey has part- nered with Rachel Circle, a domestic violence awareness a message to abusers that violence will not be tolerated group from Zion Lutheran Church in Anoka, to form a and that they will be held accountable. Together, we can be a voice for victims. to raise awareness of domestic violence to spark conver- sations and actions that work toward prevention and to support existing services in the Police Department thoroughly community that are working to investigates all domestic violence calls for service and actively pur- Lights Initiative is an opportunity sues criminal charges in domestic to raise awareness about domestic - violence, mourn those who have ment works closely with Alexan- died because of violence, celebrate dra House, a violence prevention survivors and connect victims to organization, to provide victims professionals who can help. Each night, instead of the ultimate goal at Alexandra House typical white light that illumi-is to empower victims of domestic nates the city center municipal and sexual violence, and inspire building, bulbs will be replaced with purple lights to social change through education, support and advocacy. remember those lost due to domestic violence or those If you or someone you know has been a victim of domestic violence, call 911 and report the incident. be used to illuminate the face of the building, line the Additional resources can be obtained by contacting the fencing, wrap in trees or used within the landscaping Ramsey Police Department at 763-427-6812 or the on the property. Funding for the lights is made possible Alexandra House 24-hour helpline at 763-780-2330. through community partnerships and donations are We strongly encourage everyone to break the silence always appreciated. If interested in donating to the cause, on domestic violence and view the purple lights in Oc- contact Mary Sheie at 612-910-9475 or sheiemhelen@tober as an encouraging, yet unspoken, message of help, gmail.com.hope and healing. According to the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Womens Femicide Report, in Minnesota there were 24 deaths from domestic violence-related incidents in Are You an domestic violence murders. In past years, the City has experienced the trajedy Entrepreneur at Heart? that results from domestic violence. In 2017 alone, the Ramsey Police Department investigated roughly 43 Need a trusted advisor? A business consultant? reports of domestic assault. Additionally, the Police Department responded to 24 order for protection viola- - incidents within the City can only be estimated as not information, call 763-438-7315, or email info@opento- all incidents are reported. businessmn.org. 16Ramsey Resident September/October 2018