Media Credit: Brenna Cheyney Purple bins await donations of soap, lotion, tampons and other items. The Women's Center is holding its third annual toiletry drive throughout October in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. [Click to enlarge]

This year, an estimated 1.3 million women will be abused by a partner. This month, many members of the University community will wear purple ribbons to recognize them.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and several events throughout campus will raise awareness of domestic violence and show support to its victims.

"Domestic violence is a continuum," said Women's Center Director Brandy Ota, "and there are a lot of different ways people can be affected by it."

Additional statistics compiled by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence in 2005 include one in four women who will experience domestic violence in her lifetime, while one in six will experience rape, whether attempted or completed. The same year, the National Center for Victims of Crime found that one in 12 women will be stalked in her life.

"All these statistics are so enraging," said Hollie Putnam, a University sophomore majoring in art, and soon-to-be double majoring in women's and gender studies. As the public relations coordinator for the ASUO Women's Center, she plans to do something about it.

In its third year, the Women Center's Toiletry Drive will take place for the duration of October.

About 40 purple bins are being placed around campus today for people to donate shampoo, soap, lotion, toothbrushes and tampons, among other items. The toiletries will benefit Womenspace, a local non-profit organization, as well as First Place Family Center, a resource for homeless families.

Each bin will contain brochures and pamphlets with information about domestic violence. Some locations are: The Buzz Cafe, the ASUO Office, the Office of Student Life, the Student Recreation Center and many others.

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