Purple Ribbon Study Circles

One of the best ways to solve a problem is to collaborate with different people. Although we might be experts in our own field or experience about a topic, nothing beats a think-tank. This type of collaboration is a democratic method that includes brainstorming, sharing ideas, countering ideas in a respectful way, choosing the best solutions for a particular problem as a group. This is good practice for an opinionated person like myself.

After attending four weeks of two hour sessions at Dolce Spa and Salon, I have to say that the Purple Ribbon Study Circle was fabulous. The program is sponsored by the Morrison Institute and is in the pilot stage to determine whether it is effective and will continue forward. Information in the manual was put together based on general information people believe about domestic violence.

The objective is to get as many community members together as possible to learn about domestic abuse and how to solve the plethora of issues it brings to the community. Brilliant.

Our group consisted of survivors of domestic violence, advocates, counselors, community members --some without much knowledge about the issue. It was a nice mix that brought new and fresh information to the table. We had a couple of males in the group that gave interesting perspectives as well.

Here are a couple of things I learned at our study circle:
Based on an advocate who works for the police department, statistics show that DV Abusers fit the same measurable pattern of behavior as child predators, but the victims do not fit any pattern, which means they CAN be anyone.

Based on an attending survivor, telling EVERYONE you can that your abuser is a jerk makes a huge difference in how much support you get. It's not just the police or family, it's talking to your boss, the neighbors, people you see frequently, i.e. grocery store, dry cleaners.

There is a final report meeting on November 15th in which results from all the study circles will be presented in which yours truly will be attending. I can't wait to see what solutions everyone came up with.

If the program continues, and I am pretty confident it will, this opportunity is free and open to anyone who wants to be part of the solution of domestic abuse.


Morrison Institute

Purple Ribbon Council

Purple Ribbon Study Circles