Purple Light Nights
- Date: Wed, Nov 25, 2015 - Thu, Dec 10, 2015
- Time: 12:00 am - 11:59 pm
- Location: Powell River
Since the beginning of 2015 alone, there have been 52 women and 32 children housed and supported at Grace House, Powell River’s Transition House for abuse victims.
Which is why getting the message out that domestic violence is indeed happening in Powell River is so important.
About Purple Light Nights
The Purple Light Nights campaign started in 2006 in Covington, WA.
The colour purple was chosen for domestic violence awareness because it represents the Purple Heart soldiers are presented with when wounded while serving. For survivors of domestic violence–who may also be wounded both physically and emotionally–the colour is meant to be a symbol of peace, courage, survival, honour, and dedication to ending violence.
How you can participate
The Purple Light Nights campaign will bring to light the dark shame of domestic abuse. It’s easy to support the campaign, and is inexpensive–anyone can put in a light bulb. You can put in a light bulb on your porch, or a string of lights in your front window. The goal is that this will spark conversation with neighbours about what the purple stands for. It’s also a good way to show the women in your community that you’re thinking of them, whether they still are, or have been in, domestic abuse situations. It’s a hard conversation to have, but hopefully seeing their town lit up with purple lights, will give them the courage to come forward when they’re ready.
This is Powell River’s first year participating in the Purple Light Nights campaign. Maureen MacLennan, Powell River’s Stopping the Violence Outreach Coordinator, planned it to coincide with the 16Days of Action against Gender Based Violence that falls between November 25th – December 10th.
You may have already seen a city bus with purple lights, the fence at the City Works Yard, as well as City Hall participating in hanging some purple lights. RONA Building Supply has ordered in strings of purple lights for purchase for both businesses and individuals looking to hang purple lights of their own. There will even be a float in the Santa Claus parade sporting purple lights!
Help raise awareness about domestic violence and hang your purple lights starting November 25th.
Janis Behan