(Soroptimist International of Central Alberta)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Family Violence Prevention Month

Red Deerians encouraged to keep shining a light on family violence

Nov 28, 2020 | 9:00 AM

As Family Violence Prevention Month winds down, local advocates hope citizens will keep the cause in mind going forward.

Purple Light Nights is a month-long campaign in November which promotes the simple idea of shining a purple light on your porch or in your trees, a storefront or elsewhere to shine a light on domestic abuse.

“It is very easy to shine a purple light and start a conversation,” says Sherri Smith, president, Soroptomist International of Central Alberta. “Shine a light. Save a life. Domestic violence has no place in our communities.”

The Purple Light Nights project was brought to Alberta for the first time in 2016 and is run jointly each year in the central region by the Soroptimist organization and the Domestic and Relationship Violence Initiative Committee (DRVIC).

It also honours those who’ve lost their lives to domestic violence during what is also Family Violence Prevention Month.

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“Shining a purple light gives hope to those still living with abuse, and shows support for the survivors,” Smith adds.

The campaign also takes on added meaning during the COVID-19 pandemic with many survivors of abuse isolated.

“With restrictions that have come down, I think we do have to be aware that domestic violence is still happening and that we are beginning to see an increase again in people accessing our services,” says Barb Barber, Outreach Centre executive director.

“We want to encourage people to really pay attention to those around them, and know that it’s okay to ask another person if everything is okay.

Purple lights are available to purchase by sending a message to the Soroptimist International of Central Alberta or Central Alberta Purple Lights Facebook pages. Purple light wreaths and t-shirts are also available with funds supporting the Purple Angel Fund. The fund helps with educational needs of children who’ve lost a parent to family violence.

“Although Family Violence Awareness Month is over,” Barber adds, “perhaps let’s keep our purple lights on throughout the pandemic just so people know that help is out there.”

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