Mayor William Flanagan held a ceremony in the lobby of Government Center to mark the beginning of Domestic Violence Awareness Month on October 6, 2010. Representatives of the Women's Centers in Fall River and New Bedford joined staff from the District Attorney's office and the director of United Neighbors of Fall River in marking the event and underscoring the need for awareness of both the problem of domestic violence and the efforts underway to reduce its incidence. A “Peace Pole” draped in purple lights was lighted and Mayor Will Flanagan read a proclamation declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The peace pole is meant to show support for the victims and families of domestic violence survivors. The pole will stay lit throughout October to raise awareness about domestic violence. At the event, other speakers included Bristol County District Attorney Samuel C. Sutter, Assistant District Attorney Marnie Peck, United Neighbors of Fall River Executive Director Wendy Garf-Lipp, The Women’s Center Executive Director Pamela Lima MacLeod and SSTAR Director Dale Brown. For more information, contact United Neighbors Director Wendy Garf-Lipp at 508-324-7900.