Purple Thursday: A Day To Support Survivors Of Domestic Violence

Today is Purple Thursday- a part of October’s observance of Domestic Violence Awareness & Prevention Month.

Upper Cumberland Family Justice Center Site Coordinator Brittany Shaw said it is a day to wear purple to show support to victim-survivors.

“Domestic violence is all about power and control,” Shaw said. “So, it could be your partner withholding money from you, wouldn’t let you work. It could be verbal. They may not harm their spouse, but they may threaten to do harm to other people that they care about.”

Shaw said the center has been handing out purple ribbons so law enforcement and local organizations can show support. Shaw said victims are often completely isolated, so seeing the community put judgement aside helps.

“A lot of people believe that domestic violence doesn’t happen as often as it actually does,” Shaw said. “Probably anybody you talk to knows one person that is effected by domestic violence.”

Shaw said the justice center aids victims by creating a plan of escape. Shaw said community partners are also available to provide social services, victim advocacy, legal aid, and counseling.