The Power of Purple

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the color is purple. We wear purple. We pin on purple ribbons. We hang purple lights. We eat purple doughnuts. Why purple?  Purple is a symbol of peace, courage, survival, honor and dedication to ending violence. But can sporting a particular color really help save the life of someone living in a dangerous situation at home? It can. And here’s why. 

 

It’s all about awareness. It’s bringing the issue out of the darkness and putting a spotlight on it. It’s ending the silence, the shame, the embarrassment and the fear that surrounds domestic and sexual violence. Campaigns educate people, let victims know they are not alone, and what resources are available to them. They’re especially effective among young people, who tend to soak in the information more than adults do.  Given that every 44 minutes in Arizona, one or more children witnesses domestic violence, this is a demographic that stands to benefit greatly from awareness campaigns.

Data from the National Domestic Violence Hotline shows whenever there are awareness campaigns or high profile cases that promote the Hotline number, calls increase. After former NFL player Ray Rice was seen on video punching his fiancée in the face in an Atlantic City elevator, calls to the National Domestic Violence Hotline went through the roof. There was an initial 84% spike and the number of calls remained elevated for months following, as the media coverage of the Rice situation continued. 

Consider the impact of Breast Cancer Awareness. This campaign began in the 1980s and has resulted in earlier detection, regular mammograms and the push to find a permanent cure for the disease, which had previously only been discussed in hushed tones. It helped women feel comfortable getting check-ups and treatment. Pink became the symbol of Breast Cancer Awareness, making it all the way to the NFL where players wear pink shoes, gloves and towels on the field in October, which also happens to be Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Put on your purple (and your pink, too, if you want). Go to Home Depot and buy purple porch lights. A percentage from each sale will go to the Domestic Violence Prevention Fund established through Governor Ducey’s Office. Post pictures to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #LightingAZPurple. It can stop.

By Connie Weber