Purple Ribbon Event Honorees and Speakers

Purple Ribbon Event Main Page

Keynote Speaker

Lavon Morris-Grant

Lavon Morris-Grant never thought of herself as a victim of domestic violence, but in 1996, she was almost killed by her husband when he shot her four times. Today she is an author, consultant, and entrepreneur who shares her amazing story of healing and recovery with strength, warmth, and grace. Ms. Morris-Grant speaks movingly of her journey from victim to survivor and the traumatic impact domestic violence has on both victims and their children. Her story, told in her book Whom Shall I Fear: A Spiritual Journey Of A Battered Woman, reminds us why we must listen closely to the voices of survivors.

Following the evening's program, Ms. Morris Grant will sign copies of her books available for sale at the Purple Ribbon Event. Visit Lavon Morris-Grant's website.

Award Honorees

Senator Chris Coons, Vision of Peace Award

In his first year and a half as a United States Senator, not only has Chris Coons worked hard to find bipartisan solutions and emerged as a strong voice for job creation and the innovation economy, responsible deficit reduction, and forward-looking foreign policy, he has also continued to be an ally and advocate on behalf of victims of domestic violence, both here in Delaware and nationally. Senator Coons is a champion on the issue of violence against women and is able to articulate a true “vision of peace.”

As New Castle County Executive, he worked with advocates and law enforcement to improve police response to domestic violence cases and ensured that County Government responded appropriately to the needs of employees impacted by domestic violence. He was proud to be among DCADV’s “15 Leading Men” committed to promoting healthy relationships and ultimately ending domestic violence. He has been a great partner and supporter of the work of DCADV in numerous other ways, including speaking at Coalition events and creating a video on teaching healthy relationships to Delaware students.

As a member of the Judiciary Committee and the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, Senator Coons has fought hard for reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. Senator Coons showed his leadership and commitment by hosting a round table on VAWA, addressing the importance of VAWA from the floor of the US Senate, and pledging to fight for passage of a strong bipartisan bill that protects all victims of domestic and sexual violence. He is also a cosponsor of the International Violence Against Women Act.

A longtime New Castle County resident, Senator Coons lives in Wilmington with his wife, Annie, and their three children, Michael, Jack, and Maggie. We are honored to present him with the 2012 Vision of Peace Award.

See past Vision of Peace Award honorees

Stephanie Hamilton, Spirit of Advocacy Award

Stephanie Hamilton has been engaged in domestic violence advocacy for over 15 years and is committed to empowering victims and service providers alike. Although she recently transitioned from her position as the Domestic Violence Coordinator at the Wilmington Police Department Victim Services Unit, which she held for the past ten years, she continues to serve as a voice for victims of domestic violence in her role as the Chair of the Delaware Victims’ Rights Task Force. In this role she has led advocacy efforts, improved coordinated community responses, and created infrastructure to improve and sustain DVRTF efforts including creating a website, an annual 5K, the Victim’s Tribute, and a Day of Remembrance.

Stephanie has worked in Delaware domestic violence shelters and currently works part time as a therapist for SOAR Inc., working primarily in the prison system with survivors of sexual abuse.

Stephanie has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, a certificate in Women’s Studies from University Maryland, College Park, and a Master of Science degree in Community Counseling from Wilmington University. She is a Licensed Counselor and a DCADV Certified Domestic Violence Specialist. We are honored to present her with the 2012 Spirit of Advocacy Award.

See past Spirit of Advocacy Award honorees

Verizon Wireless, Corporate Citizenship Award

A longstanding corporate advocate, Verizon Wireless is committed to preventing and raising awareness about domestic violence through community outreach, specifically the HopeLine from Verizon initiative. The HopeLine program collects used cell phones to be recycled or sold and donates the proceeds in the form of cash grants and pre-paid wireless phones to advocacy groups for use by survivors. Verizon was the first wireless carrier in the nation to collect and recycle old cell phones, and has done so on behalf of survivors of domestic violence for more than 10 years.

In the Philadelphia Tri-State region alone, Verizon Wireless has provided more than 8,000 phones, $350,000 in cash grants, and 7,000 Packs for Pride backpacks to nearly 50 domestic violence agencies and shelters, including DCADV, since 2004. Verizon Wireless has significantly elevated awareness of domestic violence in the Philadelphia Tri-State region through HopeLine by partnering with a broad cross-section of community partners, from the Philadelphia Eagles to former Delaware Senator Joe Biden. In fact, Verizon Wireless was recognized by Delaware Governor Markell in 2011 for its positive impact and innovative HopeLine program in a video public service announcement.

Learn more about DCADV's Corporate Citizenship Award