City Hall Lights Up Purple This Week for Domestic Violence Awareness Day

A DCHS CONNECT NEWS & HIGHLIGHT

October 20, 2020--The Commission for Women and the  Friends of the Commission for Women are lighting City Hall purple this week in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Day (Wear Purple Day) on October 22. 

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive or coercive behavior such as physical assault, verbal abuse or threat of harm that an individual uses to exert power or control over another, particularly in the context of a family or intimate relationship. Acts of domestic abuse can be perpetrated by a current or former spouse or partner; by a parent, stepparent or other relative; in relationships such as dating between people who do not live together; and between persons of any genders.

October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The City’s Domestic Violence Program is partnering with agencies across Northern Virginia to promote #PowerUpNOVA, a regional campaign to encourage Northern Virginians to consider their power as individuals and part of a larger community devoted to reducing and eliminating domestic and intimate partner violence. 

Throughout October, the Domestic Violence Program has been posting resources and information on the Department of Community and Human Services Facebook and Twitter platforms to raise awareness and encourage social media users to help recognize and eliminate domestic violence and supporting survivors.

The campaign also includes informative webinars and presentations for the community and survivors throughout the month. Visit alexandriava.gov/DomesticViolence to learn more about the events, including how  to register and attend, and to access information on domestic violence and resources for and ways to support survivors.

If you or someone you know may be a victim of domestic violence, call 703.746.4911 to speak with someone about services offered. If someone is in immediate danger, always call or text 911.