Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Shine a Purple Light on Domestic Violence

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and SAFE San Juans (SAFE) wants your help

making the islands glow purple in recognition of the victims of domestic violence (DV). Purple is

the cause color for domestic violence, and using Purple Lights is a very colorful and not-so-

subtle way to bring recognition of the problem to our communities.

SAFE’s staff are working to establish Purple Light Nights as an annual happening in the San

Juans. “We are always looking for creative ways to call attention to this issue and find ways for

community members to get more involved,” said SAFE San Juans staff members. “We try to do

things in the community that will start the conversation, break the silence, and engage people

in seeking solutions.

For many years, SAFE San Juans set out red silhouettes for the month of October, each one

representing a person who died in an act of domestic violence in Washington over the previous

year (72 died in 2022). Four years ago, SAFE made the strategic decision to stop setting out the

silhouettes and do something that community members could more readily join in with. SAFE

staff started putting up purple lights in prominent places like the courthouse and trees along

major streets, and then they went door-to-door, asking business owners to join in.

“We started with businesses in Friday Harbor, Eastsound, and Lopez Village since they are the

largest population centers, and the response has been strong. We are very encouraged by the

support our business owners are giving. These lights will obviously draw a lot of attention and

get people asking questions,” they said. “We would love to see community members join in

and hang up strings of purple lights as a show of solidarity and concern. Eventually, we’d love

to see all the islands glow purple throughout the whole month of October.”

“The lights are there to remind us of those who died from domestic abuse, support those who

survived, and provide hope for those still living with abuse,” SAFE staff explained. “Those who

are suffering, and those who have suffered are our family, friends and neighbors. This issue

doesn’t discriminate: It impacts poor and rich, young and old, every race, nationality and

gender. Domestic violence is an attitude of disrespect and disregard expressed through an

abuse of personal power. It stops when each person learns to treat others with the same

dignity and respect they desire for themself.”

“Sadly, we know there are homes in our communities that are still living with this issue, but

there is life beyond violence, and we are here to help.”

SAFE San Juans (SAFE) is a non-profit agency serving survivors of domestic violence and sexual

abuse/assault.  With offices in Friday Harbor, Eastsound, and Lopez Village, all of SAFE’s services

are confidential, free, and available to anyone who needs them.  To talk with someone from

SAFE San Juans, call 360-378-8680 or visit www.safesj.org.  SAFE’s 24/7 crisis line is always

staffed and can be reached at 360-378-2345.  If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.