Purple of the Poles draws in supporters of DV Awareness

The annual Purple of the Poles was attended by several groups within the Rio Rancho community.

Oct. 7 was a chilly morning for many in attendance at Jalene Berger’s Allstate Insurance on Southern Blvd. Nonetheless, people were there to help hang ribbons.

“Today is very important to us who work in the domestic violence world. As we tie these ribbons, I ask you to remember why we are here. Domestic violence, even though we do this once a year, affects lives every day,” Haven House Director Estella Weitz said.

Haven House, a domestic violence survivor shelter in RR, hosts the Purple of the Poles every year to not only show support for victims but also remind the general public that domestic violence happens, even in Rio Rancho.

Weitz and other Haven House Board of Directors members spoke about the importance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

“We are so happy to see this crowd get bigger and bigger every year. Domestic violence impacts not only the people directly involved but also the family and community. Especially children involved can have life-long impacts,” board member Michelle Bennett said.

Bennett says it is important to talk about it and include the community.

“Just make sure we are talking about this and shining light in dark places,” she added.

The Rio Rancho Police Department and the Crime Victims Assistance Unit (CVAU) stood alongside Haven House for the event.

Rio Rancho CVAU was created in July 2001 to meet the needs of victims of crime in the city of Rio Rancho and to provide immediate assistance and referrals for victims and their families.

Before groups broke out to tie ribbons, those who gathered did a butterfly release. To Weitz’s dismay, it was too cold for some of the butterflies to fly. A few took flight, but most landed on the nearest bush or clung to people’s hands.

Shortly after, each group was assigned a section of road to deck with purple ribbons.

People driving within Rio Rancho limits will see the ribbons on Unser Blvd., NM 528, Southern Blvd. and Northern Blvd.

On some poles, there is also a “message of hope” from survivors of Haven House with the phone number for the shelter attached.

“I hope people who need help will see it and give us a call,” Weitz said.

The groups who came for the event are the Haven House Board of Directors, RRPD, CVAU and the 13th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

Haven House will also need volunteers to help take the ribbons down at 9 a.m. Nov. 4.