Fair to Observe Domestic-Abuse Awareness Day : Violence: Park will be site of gathering featuring booths, shows. Participants will include representatives of several anti-battering organizations and shelters.

HUNTINGTON BEACH —  Amy Von Freymann of Huntington Beach is an actress and stand-up comedian. But she says she finds nothing funny about home violence.

Von Freymann had an idea to call attention to battered spouses and children. She said people should get together for an annual, countywide gathering and special day. Now, because of the help of volunteers, the first Domestic Abuse Awareness Day will be held in Huntington Central Park today from noon to 4 p.m. The event is free and open to everyone.

“Stopping domestic abuse is something I think we desperately need,” she said. “I’m not a victim of domestic abuse myself, but I know about it, and I know how Orange County has been affected.”

She said many city councils throughout Orange County have passed resolutions endorsing the special day.

Von Freymann, 25, said the outdoor gathering in the park will allow people to get information in a pleasant setting.

“It’s going to be like a fair,” said Von Freymann, with booths and outdoor shows. Participants will include organizations and shelters for battered women and abused children.

“There will be information for people who need assistance with domestic abuse,” Von Freymann said.

There will also be purple ribbons everywhere, Von Freymann said. “We are going to be wearing purple ribbons to show our opposition to domestic abuse,” she said.

Von Freymann said city councils who adopted resolutions endorsing Domestic Abuse Awareness Day include San Juan Capistrano, Yorba Linda, Dana Point, Huntington Beach, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, Fountain Valley, Cypress and Villa Park.

“Support has been really, really positive,” she said. She added that she will now work to make Domestic Abuse Awareness Day a yearly event.

“I care a lot about people in this area, and especially the children,” she said. “It’s very, very important to me to live in a safe and peaceful world.”