Ramsey Resident - 2019 - September/October

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Community Spotlight: The Purple Lights Initiative – Taking Action to Prevent Domestic Violence  e month of October is designated as Domestic that they will be held accountable for their actions. Violence Awareness Month and, to raise awareness of this  ere are many organizations and individuals in the issue in our community, the City of Ramsey has again community that exist to support victims of violence.  e partnered with Rachel Circle to form a Purple Lights Ini-Ramsey Police Department thoroughly investigates all do- tiative.  e Rachel Circle is a domestic violence awareness mestic violence calls, and actively pursues criminal charges group from Zion Lutheran Church in Anoka.  eir pur-in domestic assault cases.  e Police Department works pose is to raise awareness of domestic violence to spark closely with violence prevention organization, the Alexan- conversations and actions that work toward prevention dra House, to provide victims with resources and support. and to support existing ser- e ultimate goal at Alexandra vices in the community that are House is to empower victims of working to end domestic abuse. domestic and sexual violence,  e Purple Lights Initiative is an and inspire social change through opportunity to raise awareness education, support and advocacy. about domestic violence, mourn If you or someone you know those who have died because of has been a victim of domestic violence, celebrate survivors and violence, call 911 and report the connect victims to professionals incident. Additional resources who can help.can be obtained by contacting Each night, instead of the the Ramsey Police Department at white light that illuminates 763-427-6812 or the Alexandra Ramsey City Hall, bulbs will House 24-hour helpline at 763- be replaced with purple lights 780-2330. to remember those lost due to We strongly encourage ev- domestic violence or those cur-eryone to break the silence on rently aﬄ icted by abuse. Addi-domestic violence and view the tional lighting may be used to illuminate the face of the purple lights in October as an encouraging, yet unspoken, building, line the fencing, wrap in trees or used within message of help, hope and healing. the landscaping on the property. Funding for the lights is made possible through community partnerships and ACE Solid Waste has a New donations are always appreciated. If interested in donat- ing to the cause, contact Mary Sheie at 612-910-9475 or Waste and Recycle Wizard sheiemhelen@gmail.com. In past years, the City has experienced the trage- ACE Solid Waste now has a Waste and Recycle dy that results from domestic violence. In 2018 alone, Wizard on their website at www.acesolidwaste.com. Go the Ramsey Police Department investigated roughly to the ACE home page and click the Waste Wizard icon 46 reports of domestic assault. Additionally, the Police and type in the material you are looking to dispose of or Department responded to 340 domestic-related calls. recycle, and the Waste Wizard will supply you with the  e true number of incidents within the City can only be options available for the item so you can always Recycle estimated as not all incidents are reported. Right. Additionally, you can also download for free the Domestic violence is a problem that eﬀ ects every new mobile app, MyACETrashMN on your android or community and Ramsey is no exception. Be a voice for iPhone device through Google play or the Apple app those whose voices have been silenced and report in- stores online. You will gain access to view your recycling cidents to authorities who can intervene.  is sends a collection schedule and sign up to receive reminders and message to abusers that violence will not be tolerated and collection day notiﬁ cations. 14Ramsey Resident • September/October 2019