United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee Observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Memphis, TN –United States Attorney Kevin G. Ritz joins the Department of Justice, the Office on 
Violence Against Women (OVW), advocates, survivors, victim service providers, justice 
professionals, police and first responders, and communities across the
U.S. in observing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM).

Domestic violence is more prevalent than many realize. The devastating consequences of domestic 
violence can cross generations and last a lifetime. Approximately one in four women and one in 
seven men will experience severe domestic violence in their lifetimes; however, rates are 
disproportionately higher for American Indian and Alaska Native populations, women of Color, 
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and two-spirit people, and people with 
disabilities. DVAM provides an opportunity to spread awareness about domestic violence and 
encourage everyone to play a role in ending gender-based violence.

“Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an opportunity for our Office to remind the communitythat we 
are here and available to support victims and survivors of the Western District,” said United 
States Attorney Kevin G. Ritz.

Purple Thursday is a National Day of Action during DVAM. It is an opportunity to raise awareness 
about domestic violence and an easy way for us to show our commitment to promoting safe 
communities. Please join us on October 20 by wearing purple and starting a conversation about 
domestic violence!

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For more information, please contact Public Information Officer Cherri Green at (901) 544-4231 or cherri.green@usdoj.gov. Follow @WDTNNews on Twitter for office news and updates.