Public Awareness

“Shine the Light on Domestic Violence”

aka Turn the State Purple 2011

This year's theme: New Yorkers Connecting, One Light at a Time

October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This was the fourth year OPDV worked to "Shine the Light on Domestic Violence", a campaign to turn New York State purple to bring attention to the issue. Purple is the color chosen to help spread awareness of domestic violence.

Did you participate? Please tell us how and send photos to opdvpurple@opdv.ny.gov so we can acknowledge you on our website and in other materials. This campaign is a low- or no-cost way for organizations to show their support for ending domestic violence. See who participated in 2011!

See the year-by-year summaries:

Tools and Resources

2011 Shine the Light poster (printer-friendly/pdf): Why is everything purple?: New for 2011! This poster can be printed and displayed at places that are “going purple” to explain what is behind this effort.

Shine the Light on Domestic Violence – How to go Purple (printer-friendly/pdf): This two-page flyer provides suggestions on how to “go purple,” from lighting local landmarks to making purle ribbons or hosting awareness days.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month Flyer (printer-friendly/pdf): This colorful two-page flyer can be handed out to help people make the connection between the purple images and domestic violence. It has statistics, hotline numbers, suggestions for steps anyone can take and a space for local customization
“Shine the Light on Domestic Violence: How to Go Purple” webinar : This webinar features four past participants describing ways they helped turn their communities purple, with tips and resources for how others can join in this campaign.

Additional Tools

How to Light a Structure Purple (printer-friendly/pdf): This short document provides specific details to help you understand how most buildings and structures can be illuminated in purple – for little or no money!

Sample Press Release (printer-friendly/pdf): You can use this sample press release as a starting point for your own press release, to publicize your activities that Shine the Light on Domestic Violence.

Ways to Volunteer: Provides links and suggestions for those who wish to volunteer in the fight against domestic violence.

Are You Connected? Show Us Your Purple!

We want to acknowledge all participating organizations and properties. Please tell us how you plan to “Shine the Light on Domestic Violence” by answering a short survey. If you have photos to share, please note any required credits and send them to us at opdvpurple@opdv.ny.gov.