In the waning days of the American Revolution, George Washington originated the Purple Heart to honor those wounded or killed on the battlefield. Today purple represents a less-visible group, one engaged in an often-ongoing battle. These are the victims of domestic violence, and October is dedicated to raising awareness of their plight.

Glenn Fowlkes, newly appointed executive director of Madeline’s House, was looking for a way to observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Farmville.

“We’re having a vigil at the Town Square in Blackstone on Oct. 17 (5:30 p.m.), but I wanted to do something in Farmville,” he said. “This is really the hub of the 12-county area that we serve.”

It was in Farmville that Madeline died as the result of domestic violence in 1998.

The Madeline’s House web page tells her story:

“On July 28, 1998 in Farmville, Madeline Gearheart-Mitchell made the decision she had taken all the mental and physical abuse she could possibly endure. Madeline decided to take her two little girls and leave the house she and her husband had shared.”

After several assault and battery charges and violation of a protective order, Madeline’s husband was arrested but was later released on bond.

“On September 6, 1998,” the web site continues, “Barry went to Madeline’s apartment, broke in through a window, and ordered his two young daughters outside. Barry shot and killed Madeline and then himself.”

After the young mother’s death, Madeline’s House was formed as a safe haven for other victims of domestic abuse under the direction of the Southside Center for Violence Prevention, Inc. (SCVP). Currently the shelter is located in Nottoway County.

A few weeks ago the Madeline’s House director visited Farmville looking for an inspiration and location for an observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

“When I came into town I saw this maple tree at the intersection of Main and Griffin Blvd.,” Fowlkes said. “So I went in the the Moton Museum and talked to University Liaison Larissa Fergeson.”

Fergeson liked Fowlkes’ idea of lighting the maple tree with purple lights in observance of the awareness month.

“It’s really a mix of human rights — whether it’s educational or how people should be treated,” Fowlkes said.

Ironically, the lighted tree stands within view of the location where Madeline died.

“We plan to get the lights put up this Saturday and have them lit every night during the month,” Fowlkes said.

Madeline’s House and its current staff of five work closely with Social Services and local agencies to provide assistance to the women and children who seek shelter there.

“We rely heavily on our volunteers,” Fowlkes said. “We have some extremely faithful churches and civic organizations that help.”

Fowlkes, who has worked in the private mental health sector for the past 25 years, would like to see more actual treatment offered to victims of domestic abuse.

“If we continue to see the problem as that of a powerless woman, if we see it only as that, we’re missing a lot — especially what happens to kids who witness this. It takes a lot to change that mentality. For some it’s a lifelong work not to become your past.”

“We have a hotline,” Fowlkes said. “Many times a pastor or attorney will call us about a situation.”

At its current location Madeline’s House can accommodate 12 people; previously the shelter could house 30 to 35. The move was prompted by Nottoway County’s decision to turn over property at Fort Pickett where Madeline’s House was located to the U.S. State Department.

It was during that move that Wilkie Chaffin, of the Five Forks/Darlington Heights area, decided to offer assistance.

“Madeline’s House had requested money from the local counties to help them move,” Chaffin said. “I made a presentation to the Prince Edward Board of Supervisors asking them to give $2,000. I told the board if they would do it, I would match the $2,000.”

The board agreed.

“They were kind of on the spot,” Chaffin said.

Now, in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and in honor and memory of his wife Dora, Chaffin is making a similar offer to individual citizens of Prince Edward. He will match contributions of $25, $50 or $100 after October 1, 2015.

“I’m doing this in memory of my wife,” Chaffin said. “It was something that was important to her. As I told the board of supervisors, we never had direct contact with domestic violence, but the story of Madeline would make you think — what could be more important?”

“We are very happy to have Wilkie’s help,” Fowlkes said. “We are going to need to start looking for another facility in addition to what we have. When I came into this job my eyes were opened to how generous people are.

The purple tree, Fowlkes believes, will raise awareness and in turn offer hope to victims of domestic violence.

For further information on Madeline’s House call (434) 292-1077; the hotline number is (888) 819-2926.