Public Awareness


Purple New York October 2009

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Last October, the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) had the honor and privilege of partnering with more than 120 different entities across New York State – non-profit service providers, private businesses, churches, universities, tourist attractions, chambers of commerce, television and radio stations, state, county and local government agencies, law enforcement, task forces and coalitions, and retail stores – all of which joined with domestic violence survivors and elected officials to “show their purple” during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Purple is the color chosen to help spread awareness of domestic violence.


Landmarks across the state were bathed in purple light, among them: Niagara Falls and the Peace Bridge in Western New York, the Empire State Building and 7 World Trade Center in New York City, the Alfred E. Smith Building in Albany, and the historic Whiteface Mountain fire tower in the Adirondack Park.


Other communities participated in creative ways. Downtown Seneca Falls painted a purple stripe and stenciled anti-domestic violence slogans along the sidewalks, as shop owners distributed flyers with information about domestic violence and available services. Schoharie County highlighted the entrances to their towns with purple flag displays, banners – even a snowplow in purple! Police cars and public transportation vehicles displayed purple magnetic ribbons.


New York State map showing counties. Photos of structures lit in purple point to various spots on the map, indicating broad coverage of the State.

View larger map


Prominent buildings and structures across the State of New York were bathed in purple during October. This is a small representation. Click the link below to see the full list of partners and visit the Gallery on the OPDV Website for more photos.

Partners were excited about participating. Here’s what some of them said:

“One of the most beautiful parts of the campaign were the brilliant purple ribbons that were tied on almost every tree on campus! I am excited about doing more next year!” - Buffalo State

“We had a fabulous day on Saturday. 1,040 visitors! The [local domestic violence program] is thrilled to have a venue for their display.” - Adirondack Museum

“We’re proud to turn the Mid-Hudson Bridge necklace lights purple to remind people of the importance of domestic violence prevention.” – NYS Bridge Authority



Additional Highlights:


  • On October 14, much of the state workforce wore purple to promote awareness of domestic violence.
  • A cell phone drive in partnership with Verizon Wireless took place at all state agencies, with proceeds to benefit victims in New York State.
  • All marked New York State Police cars - more than 1,400 - are displaying “Stop Domestic Violence” bumper stickers.
  • Organizations around the state held Awareness Days, including providing information for employees, encouraging staff to wear purple and donating to domestic violence programs.

  • Visit the “Shine the Light on Domestic Violence” page to see the 2009 Photo Gallery, suggestions on how to go purple, a downloadable flyer you can hand out, and other resources.