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Winnebago County approves courthouse displays and purple lighting for Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Summary
The Winnebago County Board approved use of the courthouse grounds for signage, life-size “silent witness” cutouts and purple lighting during October to mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month; organizers said the displays will be funded with donations and grants and coordinated with county staff.
The Winnebago County Board voted to allow displays and purple lighting on the courthouse grounds for Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October. The motion to approve use of the grounds was made by Derby and seconded by Jen; the board approved the request by voice vote.
A county staff presenter outlined plans that would include yard signs with statistics and resource information, plywood “silent witness” cutouts painted red with stories of people killed in domestic violence incidents, and purple lighting for windows and signage. “Domestic violence isn’t just a criminal justice matter but also a public health and community safety concern,” the presenter said, adding that “awareness is one of the most powerful tools we have to encourage prevention, promote resources, and show survivors that they’re not alone.”
The presenter said the display materials would include life-size painted cutouts and yard signage placed on the courthouse lawn, and suggested coordinating purple spotlights on the courthouse facade. Staff and board members discussed logistics for lighting and installation and agreed the county’s facilities or maintenance staff would coordinate with the presenter and with Kevin (county staff) on technical details and placement.
County staff said the project will use donations and grant funds rather than the county general fund. The presenter said the office has “funds that we have…grants and the donations that we’ve been for” to cover purchases and that the office would handle procurement; Carla (staff) was asked to assist with purchasing. The presenter also said media outreach would be handled through the county’s regular press channels and that partners such as the local nonprofit Smile had been involved in related outreach activities.
The board discussed scope and workload for facilities staff and noted that full lighting in every window was not necessary; staff were asked to coordinate a manageable plan. The board made the motion to approve use of the courthouse grounds during October; the motion passed by voice vote.
