If domestic abuse has a hue, in October that colour is purple.
The annual Purple Light Nights campaign starts Monday, October 1, shining a light across Chilliwack about the devastating impact of domestic abuse.
Purple light bulbs will illuminate porches, strings of purple lights will decorate storefront windows, and purple wristbands will all convey a key message.
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That message is that domestic violence has no place in the community.
“The goal of Purple Light Nights is to increase awareness of domestic violence and the effect it has on children, families, and our community,” said Darlene Wahlstrom, Victim Services Coordinator for the Chilliwack RCMP.
A special tree lighting will take place at 6:30 p.m., Oct. 1, outside the Chilliwack RCMP Office, 45924 Airport Road.
Purple Light Nights started in Covington, Washington, in 2007, to shed light on a dark societal problem.
The goal is raising awareness about what healthy relationships look like, and preventing intimate partner violence with education.
Domestic violence occurs regardless of culture, socio-economic conditions, faith, or education. The violence can take the form of physical, emotional, sexual, or verbal abuse and is often used as a means of control by a partner or ex-partner.
The purple lights and wristbands are a way to visually acknowledge support for survivors of family violence, but also to remember those who lost their lives to it, as well as those still living with abuse.
“Domestic violence is a crime that often goes unreported,” said Cpl. Mike Rail, spokesperson for the UFVRD. “RCMP urge anyone who suspects or has knowledge of someone who is a victim of domestic violence, to report this crime to police.”
READ MORE: Shining a purple light
Bulbs and wristbands are available by donation at Chilliwack Crime Prevention Services, 45877 Wellington Avenue, or at the following businesses:
* Ann Davis Transition Society
* Garrison Wine & Liquor Save On Foods
* Ann’s Treasures & Thrift Shoppe
* Chilliwack Community Services
* Chilliwack Community Policing
* Mary’s On Wellington
* Decades Coffee Club
*Nugget New & Used Books
*Fortin’s Home Hardware
*RCMP Chilliwack
*Harvest Store & Café
*The Bookman
* Community Services
*Work BC
*Yale Road Pharmacy
*Unika
For more information regarding Purple Light Nights contact Ann Davis Transition Society, 604-792-3116 or, Beverly, at Specialized Victim Services 604-793-7211. Go on line and visit www.purplelightnights.org.
@CHWKjourno
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
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