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Purple Day — Raising Awareness for Domestic Violence

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Why are so many people wearing purple today?

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and today (October 20, 2016) is Purple Day — the annual Thursday in October when people wear purple to raise awareness for domestic violence.

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How did National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (NDVAM) start?

According to People’s World, NDVAM developed from the “Day of Unity,” a day originally held 35 years ago in October 1981. This Day eventually turned into a week and then finally a month in October 1987. In 1989, Congress officially declared October 1989 as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month with the passing of Public Law 101-112. Every year since, Congress has passed legislation stating October as NDVAM. People participate in NDVAM by using the color purple to promote awareness. 

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So what exactly is domestic violence?

Domestic violence is “the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another” (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence).

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Source: The National Domestic Violence Hotline

How can I help a loved one who is being abused?

The National Domesitic Violence Hotline provides many ways to help a loved one who is being abused, such as:

  • Be supportive and listen to their situation

  • Be non-judgmental

  • Provide support if they end the relationship

  • Encourage them to participate in activities with friends/family outside of the relationship

  • Help them develop a safety plan

  • Encourage them to talk to people who can provide help/guidance

  • Know that although you cannot “rescue” them, you can support them

Read/learn more here and see a list of common warning signs of domestic violence here.

How can the RapidSOS Haven app help victims of domestic violence?

RapidSOS hopes to empower victims of domestic violence by giving them access to a technology that allows them to reach help when they need it. That’s why we are working with Survive2Thrive Foundation, Break The Cycle, and RESPOND to provide free access to Haven for victims of abuse.

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Haven is available on the App Store or Google Play. Download today!


For anonymous, confidential help available 24/7, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) now.