RAPID CITY, SD – Local law enforcement, public officials and local supports groups gathered at the Public Safety Building Thursday to show support for victims of domestic violence.

While October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, October 22^nd is nationally recognized as a day to wear purple to show solidarity for domestic violence survivors and victims.

“(This way) we can get together and say we’re in solidarity with victims and we’re here to support you and bring awareness, not only to the people that work with them, but to the community,” Rebecca Elger, Victims Specialist, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office said. “Anything we can do to break that silence and stop that violence.”

Rapid City and Box Elder police and the Pennington County Sheriff’s office respond to between 1,600 and 1,800 domestic violence calls each year, Elger said.