October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Austin ISD Athletics is doing its part to promote safe and healthy relationships.

In partnership with the Travis County Sheriff's Office, Texas Advocacy Project and SAFE, student athletes will be wearing purple ribbons to encourage others to stand up against dating and domestic violence.

Florence Briceño with the Travis County Sheriff's Office said, "Teen dating violence is an issue that impacts many students throughout the county. We know that each year, a certain number of students in our schools are involved in abusive relationships that erode their self-worth, preoccupy their thoughts and attention, and put at risk their health and safety."

In addition to the helmet stickers worn by football players the varsity volleyball teams will wear purple shoe laces during district play. Furthermore, announcements will be made before and during each contest to increase awareness that "Football is a Contact Sport. Love Shouldn't Be". Coaches from multiple sports will receive educational materials on how they can support young people in becoming positive role models.

"We have received positive feedback from students who have since graduated and are now enrolled in college," Briceño said. "It has been our hope that with this campaign, conversations are being made on and off the field."

Any students who need immediate assistance should first turn to the School Resource Officer on campus. If the danger is not imminent, students are encouraged to contact one of the resources listed below:

• The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE)
  Provides confidential, one-on-one support to each caller. Bilingual advocates are on hand to speak with callers, and the group's language line offers translations in more than 170 languages. The hotline is also a good source of help for concerned friends, family, coworkers and others seeking information and guidance on how to help someone they know.
• SAFE PLACE 24/7 Hotline (512-267-SAFE)
  Provides safety for individuals and families affected by domestic violence and sexual assault exploitation through campus-based prevention and intervention services. In addition, the organization promotes safe and healthy relationships, increasing the capacity for abuse prevention in Central Texas.
• Texas Advocacy Project (800-374-HOPE)
  Provides FREE legal services statewide to victims of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.