NEW ORLEANS (press release) – The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office Crime Victim Reparations Unit is calling on New Orleans residents to take a stand against domestic violence during the month of October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Unit is giving out free purple light bulbs to those who sign a pledge committing to be an advocate for healthy relationships and speak up against abusive behavior.
The Purple Light campaign is a way to raise awareness about domestic violence in our community and in our homes. Throughout the month, OPSO will honor those who lost their lives to domestic violence, work with partners to support survivors and give hope to those still living with abuse.
Purple is a universal color for domestic violence awareness. In a show of support, residents are encouraged to light their front porches with purple lights, string purple lighting from businesses or storefronts or light up trees with purple spotlights.
“Our city is plagued by a violence that is endured by many in their homes and behind closed doors, and this Purple Light Campaign will bring to light the dark shame of domestic abuse,” Capt. Stephanie Minto-Gibson who oversees the OPSO’s Crime Victim Reparations Unit said. “We know most people may not have the time to attend an event or volunteer their time, but they can get a light bulb and put it on their front porch to support this issue and support victims and survivors of abuse.”
This year alone, OPSO’s CVR Unit has worked with nearly 200 people in our community who have been victims of sexual abuse, sexual assault, human trafficking and stalking. The unit works directly with victims to provide financial assistance for things like personal injury, loss of earnings, loss of support, counseling or relocation.
The CVR Unit will also host the “Together, We Can End Abuse” event for OPSO staff and the community at large on October 25 from 2:30-5:30 pm at the sheriff’s office in partnership with the NOPD Special Victim & Victim Witness Units, District Attorney’s Office, US Attorney’s Office, New Orleans Family Justice Center and Silence is Violence. The event will feature talks from Tanisha Michele, a domestic violence survivor and founder of the non-profit ENSHRINE, trauma educator Shona Chavis and other survivors.
Those who want to support the campaign by signing the pledge and receiving a free purple light can visit the CVR Unit on the 3th floor of the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office located at 2800 Perdido Street Building A. You can also take the online pledge to show your support. We are encouraging people to share photos of their porches, homes, offices and building lit up in purple on social media and tag @orleansparishso and use the hastags #opsocares #endDVwithOPSO #OPSOPurpleLight.
