It was “Denim Day” at The Gristmill for 50 Shades of Purple. (Photo by John Schaffner)

Christen Sayre, a senior at Port Clinton High School and daughter of local Salvation Army Director Kami Sayre, was one of the models participating in Wednesday’s Denim Day event at The Gristmill. (Photo by John Schaffner)

It’s a topic people don’t like to talk about. Violence in the house or on a date. It happens more often than people realize.

Last week, 50 Shades of Purple, a growing local organization that deals with the problem every day, held an awareness event in recognition of “Denim Day.”

Denim Day on Wednesday, April 26 was designated as a day of support for victims of domestic violence. 50 Shades of Purple hosted a Denim Day Fashion Show held at The Gristmill in Port Clinton. The Fashion Show with a purpose was designed to increase awareness and support for victims of violence.

Over 100 people crowded into The Gristmill not only got to see some nice tops and accessories that go with denim jeans supplied by Lake Lynn Designs, but also learn more about the problem locally, and its local solutions.

Corrine McRitchie, local victim advocate for the Family and Child Abuse Prevention Center, headlined the fundraiser for the group. A number of local people who deal with these issues on a daily basis gave presentations before the Fashion Show. There was no runway, so the models walked through the gathered crowd holding up signs with questions that referred to the presentations.

“This year’s Denim Day Fashion Show was our first event dedicated to Sexual Assault Awareness, and we really are pleased with the outcome,” said

Corrine McRitchie. “We were able to raise $802 for the Tri-County SANE/SART Program. Our goal is to always provide resources and information, even local statistics, on the causes we are passionate about, which focuses on any type of violence a person can experience.”

The 50 Shades of Purple local board consists of Corrine McRitchie, Angie Zam, Kami Sayre, Brooke Rodwancy, Catharine Hadley, Mary Snyder, Satetha Stokes, Zoe Edwards, Heather Lopez and Sarah Moore.