Members of Soroptimist International of Courtenay will "paper the town purple" this Friday as they distribute purple hotline cards to local businesses.
These cards contain domestic abuse emergency support contact information.
Businesses are encouraged to place these cards in women's restrooms as it is important for women to know how to access support.
Purple is the colour associated with domestic violence and Nov. 25 coincides with the United Nations designated International Day to Eliminate Violence against Women.
Worldwide, it is the beginning of 16 days of activism against gender violence, including Canada's National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women on Dec. 6.
Affecting every socio-economic status and culture, domestic violence is a significant cause of injury among women. Unfortunately, going to work is not always an escape.
According to the Corporate Alliance to End Partner Violence, approximately 75 per cent of women who experience abuse at home also experience it at the workplace.
The economic impact of domestic violence to businesses related to the loss of workplace productivity and paid sick leave is substantial.
Provincial and national economies also suffer due to the millions of dollars in health care, law enforcement and court costs that are related to domestic violence.
For more information about this campaign and Soroptimist International of Courtenay, call Sharon Chappell 250-336-2810 or Gloria Gietz at 250-339-3197.
— Soroptimist International of Courtenay