In an effort to educate residents about the prevalence of domestic violence, the Town of Madison has proclaimed Friday, Oct. 9 Domestic Violence Awareness Day.

Selectman Diane Stadterman read a proclamation at the Sept. 28 Board of Selectmen meeting.

“ ... We the board of selectman of the town of Madison do hereby proclaim Friday, Oct. 9, 2015, as Domestic Violence and Breast Cancer Awareness Day in the town of Madison ... This month let us remember the victims of domestic violence and the victims of breast cancer and to celebrate the survivors.”

The proclamation notes that one in three Americans have witnessed an act of domestic violence, which has an annual cost of $3.5 billion to U.S. companies in lost work time, increased healthcare costs, and higher turnover. Donna Farrell, president of the Women’s Club of Madison, said this issue needs as much attention as possible.

“Domestic Violence Awareness Day is the signature project for the General Federation of Women’s Club in the U.S.,” she said. “Every October, we try to bring awareness of this important issue. One in every four women become the victim of this horrible abuse.”

In Madison, the club will put out purple balloons, the color for domestic violence awareness, on the 9th to make people more aware of the issue.

“We add a tag to each balloon stating that The Women’s Club of Madison is the sponsor of this Day of Awareness,” she said. “There is also a number on the back of the tag that a person can call if needed. It gives us the opportunity to meet with business owners also.”

Domestic Violence Awareness Day also coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness month.

“This year we are going to tie our balloons with pink ribbon to not undermine the importance of breast cancer awareness, also,” she said.

Additional information on the awareness day will be available in the library. Victims of domestic violence, or those helping victims, can get information and support any time by dialing 211, Connecticut’s statewide information and crisis intervention service. For immediate help from police, call 911.