Erasing the taboo- Lily Blogger

As a native-Chicagoan, I am fiercely proud about everything that is Chicago-related, whether it's about cheering for "Da Bears" or splurging on a deep dish pizza for dinner. Chicago is my hometown, flaws and all. However, I am slightly disappointed with Chicago and the rest of the nation right now. Although October is Domestic Violence Awareness month, you would hardly notice it. As I am flipping through the channels, I see football players wearing pink socks and shoes. As I'm driving down Lake Shore Drive, I spot the Willis (Sears) Tower shining in pink. As a woman, I love breasts! As a matter of fact, I have two of my own. However, I would like to argue that if domestic violence received even a tenth of this attention, it would go a long way towards tearing down the stigma for victims and survivors of domestic violence.

Tiny steps have been made in the past couple of months. According to a recent article by the Chicago tribune, the US Department of Justice has given approximately $500,000 in total to Loyola University and Joliet Junior College to help schools reduce the rate of date rape and other assaults. Also, the money is used towards developing stronger sexual assault programs and bolster campus security. Although this is great news for those campuses, there is still so much left to do. Therefore, for the rest of this month, I implore you to not only wear pink, but to wear purple and support the fight against domestic violence.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/sns-ap-il--illinois-colleges-womens-safety-20120920,0,6012045.story