Students walking around Syracuse University at night might notice that the Hall of Languages isn’t lit up by its usual white spotlight, but rather a bold shade of purple.
The purpose of the purple light is to promote that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Lighting up the building is part of a statewide campaign, led by the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, to “shine the light” on domestic violence. Supporters are encouraged to wear purple clothing, while police cars and other vehicles display purple ribbons, according to the office’s website.
OPDV has partnered up with Vera House, a Syracuse-based organization that provides support to victims of domestic and sexual violence. Domestic violence is a widespread epidemic, affecting one in four women and one in seven men over 18, said Chris Benton, Vera House’s director of communications and special events. He added that domestic violence “doesn’t discriminate” in that it affects people of all races, economic statuses and sexual orientations.

“It is important to raise awareness about domestic violence because it is an issue many people are touched by,” Benton said.

Randi Bregman, executive director of Vera House, said domestic violence is a leading cause of injury to men and women. This remains true for Syracuse, where 5,000 out of 10,000 police calls might be directed to Vera House’s support line.

“This issue has tremendous impact,” Bregman said. “Increasing awareness and engaging people in advocacy work is an important part of what we do.”

To raise awareness of the issue of domestic violence, Vera House is engaging the Syracuse community in a variety of events, including a benefit concert and a drag show to honor men who lose their lives to domestic violence and other events. Vera House also took part in the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s #TakeAStand campaign, which included a moment of silence for those who lost their lives to domestic violence. On Wednesday, the office held a “NYS Wear Purple Day.”

“During that minute, we asked them to take a stand with us for those that have lost their lives to domestic violence and those that are experiencing abuse every day,” Benton said.

Vera House will hold its 26th Annual Report to the Community on Domestic and Sexual Violence on Oct. 26 at the SKY Armory in downtown Syracuse. 

The organization is also announcing three Silent Witness panels, honoring those who have lost their lives to domestic violence.

Published on October 21, 2015 at 9:24 pm

Contact Rachel: rgreen@syr.edu