Greetings! As you may know, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Purple is a symbol of courage, survival, honor, and has come to symbolize the fight to end domestic violence. Last year was the inaugural effort to “Shine the Light on Domestic Violence” by turning the State purple. Landmarks such as Niagara Falls, bridges, statues and buildings were illuminated purple for a day, a week or a month. Organizations – including DCJS – held special awareness days. This year, the goal is to have purple participation in every county in the State. That’s where you come in.

Many of us are members of various groups and communities, whether by geography or interest. (garden clubs, book clubs, girl/boy scout leaders, VFW, Kiwanis, Knights of Columbus members, PTA, coaches, sports teams, volunteer fire fighters, etc.) As such, we have the ability to reach out to people and places and ask them to support the effort to spread awareness about domestic violence by turning something purple. They can do it with lights, balloons, signs… (See “Going Purple: How to Shine the Light on Domestic Violence” for more ideas.) This is a low- or no-cost way for people to make a difference in the lives of victims, survivors and their families. And it really does make a difference. Last year, upon seeing this beautiful building in Buffalo, one person commented:

 “It made me feel so connected,  like there are people out there  who are working to help.  That somebody cares.”  

 We have a few materials for you to look at and spread around, to help encourage people to participate. They include a flyer explaining the campaign with information about domestic violence and resources, a flyer with photos from last year, and a document that describes how to go purple and other ways to participate in domestic violence awareness month. They are on our website at: http://www.opdv.state.ny.us/public_awareness/shinethelight09.html.   

PLEASE ask anyone who participates in any way to let us know so that we can acknowledge them on our website and in press materials, and we can count them towards the goal of reaching all 62 counties in the State. People can let us know by sending an e-mail to opdvpublicinfo@opdv.state.ny.us or filling out a brief form at http://opdv.state.ny.us/public_awareness/turn_nypurplesurvey/turn_nypurple.html (live after 9/15)

Please take photos if you can and send them to us with any required credit information.   

Thank you, for taking the time and energy to partner with us. It does make a difference. If you have any questions or need clarification, please send an e-mail at opdvpublicinfo@opdv.state.ny.us .

 Team Purple

NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence