Go Purple for Domestic Violence Awareness Month!

October was first declared as US National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1989.

Since then, it has been a time to acknowledge and amplify the voices of domestic violence survivors. As Soroptimists, we know that domestic violence is prevalent in every community and affects victims regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality. Violence against women and girls occurs in many different forms—physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, financial, and even through technology. It is a worldwide public health crisis and human rights violation of epidemic proportions.

Although there has been substantial progress in reducing domestic violence, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, an average of 20 people are physically abused by intimate partners every minute.

Show Your Support—Wear Purple on October 21

Purple Thursday is a national day of action during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. On  October 21, individuals across the nation will wear purple to show survivors that there is a community of support surrounding them and fighting for them. 

Participating in Purple Thursday is also a great opportunity to start conversations with others. It opens the door to allow awareness to take the front seat with colleagues, strangers, friends, or family. We encourage you to share information about Soroptimist and the work we do to support women—many are often survivors of domestic violence—through our Dream Programs, 

Take a picture of You Wearing Purple and Post to Social Media

Include a caption about how, as a Soroptimist, you support survivors of domestic violence. Don't forget to use the hashtags #Soroptimist100 and #PurpleThursday. Join us in going purple on October 21. Collectively, we can help send a clear message to domestic violence survivors that they are supported.