Every October, the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office works to shine a light on domestic violence by participating in a campaign to turn the office purple. Purple is the color chosen to spread awareness to the issue of domestic violence. The District Attorney’s Office strives to be an advocate for victims of domestic violence. Attorneys in the domestic violence unit specialize in prosecuting domestic violence cases and working with victims to achieve justice. Victim specialists in the Crime Victim unit work with victims of domestic violence and guide them as they navigate the criminal justice system. Heggen said that “there is a continuing need throughout our community and our state to continue to shine a light on domestic violence- to highlight and bring awareness that there are people and programs to support and assist victims of domestic violence”. As part of the many efforts to shine a light on domestic violence, the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors has proclaimed October, 2016 as “Domestic Violence Awareness Month” in Saratoga County, urging “all of our citizens to support and participate in ongoing programs designed for the reduction and eventual elimination of domestic violence”. Attached is a photo of the men and women of the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office who are wearing purple to spread awareness to the on-going issue of domestic violence.
District Attorney Karen A. Heggen and the members of the District Attorney’s Office works closely with local Domestic Violence awareness and prevention programs including Wellspring, located at 480 Broadway, LL220, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 and The Domestic Violence Advocacy Program, (“DVAP”) located at 6 South Main St. Mechanicville, NY 12118. Wellspring provides comprehensive, supportive services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, provides prevention education to our community, and advocates for social change. Wellspring’s mission is to support survivors and engage our community to end relationship and sexual abuse. The mission of DVAP is to provide client-centered, comprehensive services for victims of domestic abuse and their families, in a confidential, welcoming environment. DVAP operates with safety first assisting victims through crisis, navigating resources which ultimately result in survivors with an improved sense of self-confidence, empowerment, and a healthy interdependency with natural and community supports.
Please check on www.wellspringcares.org and www.mechanicvilleacsc.org for a complete list of events you can participate in during the month of October to show your support for domestic violence awareness and prevention.
District Attorney Karen A. Heggen also announces today that her office will be holding a collection for personal care items this month at the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office, located at 25 West High Street, Building #4, Saratoga County Municipal Center, Ballston Spa, NY. The District Attorney’s Office is open between the hours of 9:00 am- 5:00 pm and will be collecting personal care items such as full size bottles of shampoo, bars of soap, lotion, tampons, socks, winter gloves, emery boards, and hair clips. At the end of October, these items will be donated to Wellspring and the Domestic Violence Advocacy Program of Mechanicville. The District Attorney’s Office is also accepting old cell phones and chargers. These phones will be reprogrammed and distributed as needed to people working with the various domestic violence programs. The personal care products’ drive will be held at the District Attorney’s office until October 26, 2016.
