SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane County has had some of the highest domestic violence rates in Washington state for the last several years. Now, some local non-profits are trying to bring awareness to the issue while spreading some joy as well.
For the third year, the non-profit Stop The Silence is partnering with another local organization, End the Violence, for their month-long Purple 4 Purpose campaign.
"It started as restaurants or bars making purple food or drinks, and then this year, we really just grasped that Spokane as a community wants to make a difference and an impact, and they want to support survivors," said Shauna Kennedy, Director of Stop the Silence.
She started the organization to spread awareness about domestic violence after her sister, Jesseka, was killed by her fiance.
"She's why I wanted to be a mommy," said Kennedy. "She was this beautiful, blonde-haired, blue-eyed little angel."
Seven years after Jesseka's death, Kennedy still reflects on her sister's relationship with the man who was charged with her death. "He wasn't my favorite person, but what we saw on social media was that, you know, she was living her best life up in the mountains and out doing things," said Kennedy.
Like many friends and family members, Jesseka's family noticed something was wrong. "My mom would say, Shauna, how come Jesse can't talk to me, not on speaker phone?" said Kennedy. "And I was like, mom, you know, people do that these days, they're in a hurry. And she's like, no, it doesn't feel like that. It feels like Eric needs to be a part of the conversation."
According to the Spokane Regional Health District, in 2022 alone, police received an average of 35 domestic violence calls per day. "So when she was killed, my mom asked, can we do something?" said Kennedy. "We can't be the only family that doesn't see the signs"
That's when Kennedy started the organization Stop The Silence to spread awareness about domestic violence and to help survivors.
"You have to believe every single time," says Kennedy. "So if your friend says I'm in danger or I need something, and it's the seventh time, and you're like, you know, resigned, because you're feeling like, well, they're just gonna go back, you have to believe every single time that they need help and be there for them."
For the entire month of October, participating restaurants are selling purple dishes and drinks, and many businesses are donning purple ribbons in support. Because the most important thing is spreading awareness.
"There's so many resources in this community and so many great people who are willing to make a difference," says Kennedy. "So if you're someone that needs help, like call that YWCA hotline, you know, get a hold of us at Stop The Silence. Use the resources at SRDVC (Spokane Regional Domestic Violence Coalition) there's just a lot of resources here, and people that want to make a difference and want to help."
In addition to Purple 4 a Purpose, Stop the Silence, End the Violence and the Spokane Regional Domestic Violence Coalition are hosting several awareness events throughout the month. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, there are local, regional and national resources available to you.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
Spokane Regional Domestic Violence Advocacy: 509-481-0794