Many people envision October as cooler weather, pumpkin spice lattes, scary movies, and ghoulish good times. However, this month you may also notice neighborhoods, landmarks, and businesses glowing purple. That’s because October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM).
Throughout the St. Louis region, advocates, organizations, and businesses are coming together to create spaces of support for individuals and families impacted by domestic violence. But why purple? Purple has long been associated with bravery.
The Reality of Domestic Violence
According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, more than 12 million people in the U.S. are affected by domestic violence each year with roughly 20 people every minute experiencing intimate partner physical violence.
For the LGBTQIA+ community, the rates are even higher. Research shows that bisexual women and transgender individuals experience intimate partner violence at disproportionately higher rates than their straight, cisgender peers.
How You Can Show Support
You can make a difference this October by standing in solidarity with survivors:
● Wear purple on Purple Thursday, October 16th. Share a photo on social media
using #DVAM and #PaintTheLouPurple.
● Write a message of hope to survivors in purple chalk on sidewalks in your
neighborhood.
● Join the community at the 5th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Rally and
Walk, hosted by Diamond Divas, on Saturday, October 18th from 10 AM–2 PM at
1027 South Vandeventer Avenue. The walk begins at 11 AM. Register at
2DEF.org/rallywalk.
Resources for Survivors
If you are a survivor of domestic violence and need immediate assistance, please call
ALIVE’s 24-hour crisis line at 314-993-2777.
Stephanie Null is the executive director of the St. Louis Anti-Violence Project.
