Amidst ribbons, banners and buttons that read “Hug, Don’t Hit,” DeKalb Mayor Greg Sparrow proclaimed October “Safe Passage Month” at a small ceremony Friday in downtown DeKalb.

Safe Passage, a center that aids an average of 96 women and children victims of domestic violence per month, also was recognized by DeKalb County State’s Attorney Michael Coghlan as a much-needed service.

Throughout the week, 2,000 white ribbons were displayed on lamp posts and trees to represent the yearly number of battered women in DeKalb as part of National Domestic Violence Month.

Attached to each ribbon is a flier with domestic violence facts that takes about one minute to read, including this one: “While you were reading this brochure, four women were severely beaten.”

The ceremony, held at 127 E. Lincoln Hwy. outside the Greater DeKalb Chamber of Commerce building, was part of the ongoing effort to increase awareness of the problem.

“Awareness is the first and most important step to change” the situation, said Pam Wiseman, executive director of Safe Passage. “Displaying a ribbon shows you care.” Wiseman thanked NIU’s Lambda Chi fraternity for helping display the ribbons throughout DeKalb.

Domestic violence “is a crime against future generations of our children,” Sparrow said. “Most people don’t stop and think that these problems do exist here in DeKalb. There are also homeless and hungry people here, although many people think of DeKalb as a rich city.”

The DeKalb City Council has supported Safe Passage for the past three years. “Support at the city level” is essential for a “worthy cause like Safe Passage,” Sparrow said.

Coghlan also was present to lend support at the state level. “The quality of life in DeKalb is rather high,” but the problem of domestic violence still exists, he said. Displaying a ribbon “shows an outward sign of support,” he said.

Two months ago, Coghlan created the Victim/Witness Program at the State’s Attorney’s Office, which serves as a “soft spot between the attorney and the legal system” for victims.

The program was created out of “sensitivity to people, victims in particular,” said Victim/Witness Advocate Ellen Wells.

Coghlan “took the initiative himself to apply to the state for a grant,” Wells said. The state-funded program is tailored “individually to fit the needs of the county,” she said.

Wells works “one-on-one with victims of violent-type crimes,” she said. “We see a fair share of domestic violence victims— too much of it.” Victims are referred to Safe Passage, as well as other centers that can provide further assistance.

In addition to providing safe shelter, Safe Passage gives free and confidential counseling and legal advocacy to battered women and their children.