The Abbotsford Police Department (APD) has joined forces with the BC Lions for a campaign against domestic violence.
The Purple Light Nights initiative encourages residents and businesses to shine purple light or lights outside their home throughout October.
The campaign originated in Covington, Wash., in 2007 and has become an international educational and awareness campaign.
Purple is the international colour used to symbolize domestic violence awareness.
The Abbotsford/Mission Violence Against Women in Relationships (VAWIR) committee adopted the Purple Lights Campaign three years ago.
The campaign continues to grow locally, with the ongoing support of the VAWIR committee, the Abbotsford Downtown Business Association, and other local businesses in the Abbotsford-Mission area.
“Collectively, we promote the message that domestic violence has no place in our community,” said APD Const. Ian MacDonald.
The APD’s domestic violence unit works in close partnership with the Abbotsford Community Service’s specialized victim assistance program, the Ministry of Children and Family Development, and BC Corrections and Crown counsel.
MacDonald said the objectives of the Purple Light Nights campaign are to: remember victims who lost their lives as a result of domestic violence, support survivors of domestic violence, and give hope to those still living with abuse.
Purple lights can be purchased by contacting APD victim services co-ordinator Renee Angelvette at rangelvette@abbypd.ca.