NYC Go Purple Day: De Blasio Administration Launches New Ad Campaign, Illuminates City in Purple to Raise Awareness About Domestic Violence

October 19, 2017

#NYCGoPurple

NEW YORK— In honor of NYC Go Purple Day, the de Blasio Administration today launched a new ad campaign to raise awareness about domestic violence. These ads will run on three Clear Channel jumbotorons in Times Square through Friday. Additionally, buildings and landmarks across the City will light up in purple, including City Hall, One Police Plaza, the Yankee Stadium jumbotron, all five Borough Halls and the Parachute Jump at Coney Island.

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and purple is the symbolic color to raise awareness about domestic violence. On NYC Go Purple Day, Administration, elected officials and volunteers in all five boroughs will conduct outreach and provide information about domestic violence to New Yorkers in public spaces. All New Yorkers, including City employees, are encouraged to wear purple and post photos on social media with the hashtag #NYCGoPurple and #DVAM2017.

“Domestic violence is disturbingly common, and affects every neighborhood in New York City. That’s why we’re raising awareness about the City programs in place to support survivors and hold abusers accountable,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Our message to any New Yorker suffering from domestic abuse is clear: you are not alone.” 

"Love should never include violence, but sadly, for far too many women, men and gender non-conforming individuals, intimate partner violence is a reality. NYC is ‘going purple’ to renew its commitment to all those touched by domestic violence. The city strives to support survivors and promote models of safe, healthy, relationships for all our young people,” said First Lady Chirlane McCray, Co-Chair of the Domestic Violence Task Force and the Commission on Gender Equity.

During Domestic Violence Awareness Month and throughout the year, the City encourages all New Yorkers to:

• Recognize and speak out against intimate partner violence, gender injustice and all forms of abuse.
• Offer unconditional support to someone who has experienced violence.
• Speak up against statements that promote violence.
• Get help from an expert, advocate, or other professional.
• Help share resources with those who need help: NYC DV Hotline 1-800-621-4673; 911 in emergencies; for information and connection to services, call 212-788-3156 and ask for OCDV’s Family Justice Centers.

“Raising awareness about domestic violence and the impact it has on survivors, families and communities is a collaborative effort,” said Dr. Herminia Palacio, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services. “NYC Go Purple Day is a great illustration of the City’s collaborative effort to elevate this issue.  In conjunction with various partners, New York City is able to enhance an understanding of this important issue, and in the process, inspire New Yorkers to speak up and seek help if they need it.”

“Awareness is the first defense against domestic violence, and every year with NYC Go Purple, we keep this important issue in front of New Yorkers,” said Cecile Noel, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence. “Domestic violence awareness and prevention is not confined to one day of the year. NYC Go Purple reminds us that every single New Yorker can play an important role in ending domestic violence every day.”

“Domestic violence is a leading cause of poverty and homelessness, and it touches on everything we do at our agency to help survivors and those in need rebuild their lives, “said Department of Social Services Commissioner Steven Banks. “NYC Go Purple is a chance for all of us to show solidarity with survivors of domestic violence, and to raise awareness of not just the issue, but the help that is available.”

“With NYC GO Purple, the City is sending a critically important message to survivors of domestic violence: we support you, we believe you, and we are here for you. Regardless of race, income, gender identity, age, or sexual orientation, everyone has a right to feel safe in this City,” said Jacqueline Ebanks, Executive Director, of the Commission on Gender Equity. “We cannot achieve gender equity without addressing domestic violence, and that begins by making survivors’ experiences central to our work.”

“This new campaign running on our billboards in New York communities communicates a powerful message in an impactful and memorable way that can help save lives,” said Harry Coghlan, President and General Manager of Clear Channel Outdoor – New York. “We all have a role to play in preventing domestic violence and we are proud to help get that message out.”

The de Blasio Administration has made an unprecedented effort to reduce domestic violence in New York City. In May, the City released its Domestic Violence Task Force report, a $7 million plan to better apprehend abusers and ensure support for survivors.  In 2016, the City opened the Staten Island Family Justice Center, the City’s fifth, and completed the de Blasio administration’s vision of having a Center in every borough. For more information on events happening throughout the month and services for survivors, call 212-788-3156 or visit the website at www.nyc.gov/domesticviolence.

“Domestic violence is a disgusting abuse that knows no boundaries and never discriminates,” said Public Advocate Letitia James. “In New York City, we have prioritized policies and programs to support the countless victims of these atrocious acts and to ensure they have the resources and protections they need. This month, we remind all New Yorkers that they are not alone and this is a crisis that will not be ignored.”

"I am proud to light Brooklyn Borough Hall purple in commemoration of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In Brooklyn, we celebrate and uplift the voices of survivors who are thriving in striving for positive futures,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams.

“I believe it is important to acknowledge the issue of domestic violence, speak out against abuse, and offer support to those who have experienced it,” said Borough President James Oddo. “My staff will be participating in NYC Go Purple Day to raise awareness about this issue and encourage those in need to seek help.”

Congressman Joseph Crowley said, "We must continue to shine a bright light on domestic violence and root out this abuse from our communities. New Yorkers deserve to live free from violence, and I applaud Mayor de Blasio for undertaking this vitally important campaign to raise awareness and for his commitment to keeping our communities safe.”

Congressman Dan Donovan said, “When I was District Attorney, I saw firsthand the magnitude of people who were touched by domestic violence, which is why I worked with the Mayor to establish the Staten Island Family Justice Center. It’s critical that we bring this silent epidemic out of the shadows and into our everyday conversations. By engaging our community and raising public awareness, we will help protect victims, empower survivors, and stop the deadly cycle of abuse that impacts too many innocent lives.”

Congresswoman Grace Meng said, “Domestic violence continues to impact way too many women and families throughout our city and country. We must continue to speak out and increase awareness of this terrible abuse, and ensure that victims receive the services and support they need. On NYC Go Purple Day, I’m proud to stand with survivors of domestic violence. If we work together and speak out loud and clear, we can finally end this heinous abuse.”

“The threat of domestic abuse exacts a toll on women and men everywhere, in each of our communities, our districts, and at times our very own families,” said Congressman Adriano Espaillat. “It is essential that we lend our support and our collective voices in support for victims everywhere. I commend Mayor de Blasio and city leaders on this year’s Go Purple Day to raise awareness of domestic violence as no woman or man should ever fear they stand alone.”

“Domestic violence affects us all, directly and indirectly, therefore we must come together stop this deadly cycle of abuse. NYC Go Purple Day is a very practical and progressive strategy that would not only help to raise the consciousness of citizens but to increase their level of participation in the fight against domestic violence. I commend the de Blasio Administration for their continued commitment to finding solutions to this very serious problem that is plaguing our communities and especially the most vulnerable members of our society,” said Senator Roxanne J. Persaud.

“I am very heartened by the Mayor’s efforts to not only raise the visibility of the issue of domestic violence throughout the five boroughs, but to invest $7 million to help apprehend abusers and ensure support for domestic violence survivors,” said Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte, Member of the New York State Advisory Council on Domestic Violence. “In 2016, the City also made tremendous strides by unveiling its fifth Family Justice Center in Staten Island to introducing the Creating Awareness about Relationship Equality (CARE) Program. Thank you to those that are wearing purple today to show their solidarity and support.”

"In 2016, the number of orders of protection as a result of domestic violence has reached a 5-year high. In addition, it was found that women were victims in more than 60% of reported assaults. As a Member of the Legislative Women's Caucus I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure that we strengthen and improve response and assistance available to victims, survivors and children who are experiencing domestic violence and to bring awareness so that victims know they are not alone," said Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright.

“The issue of domestic violence is one that must not be hidden, it is imperative that we face this issue head on and make sure all available resources are put forward to address this problem. It is an issue that will only properly be addressed when the light is shining on the situation and more attention is brought to this cause, this will allow so many individuals to come forward and seek the help and guidance  needed. The Mayor’s campaign is all the more important to help dispel the fear of coming forward, and for that we are grateful,” said Assembly Member Jaime Williams.

"I applaud Mayor de Blasio and the tireless work of the advocates in the anti-domestic violence community, as I am proud to support the NYC Go Purple Day. It is imperative that we as elected officials continue to raise awareness and provide key resources and outreach to victims of Domestic Violence. We must ensure that DV victims, survivors, and their children continue to receive the most comprehensive services available to help them support, recognize, and fight back against these deplorable circumstances," said Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi.

Council Member  Laurie Cumbo, co-chair of the Women’s Caucus, said: “Today and every day, we are helping families break the cycle of violence by directly connecting them to the critical resources available through the citywide network of Family Justice Centers. #NYCGoPurple is our public stance as a city of UpStanders who support survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence. As chair of the Committee on Women’s Issues and co-chair of the Women’s Caucus, I am proud of the incredible work that we have done within the City Council in collaboration with the de Blasio Administration to raise awareness and  increase the capacity of community-based organizations and city agencies to provide supportive services to families looking to rebuild.”

"Domestic violence survivors do not need to suffer in silence or in isolation -- support and assistance are available for them and their children. I applaud the de Blasio administration for the extensive outreach campaign and services they are launching. It is going to take a society-wide effort to combat intimate partner violence, and we have begun that journey," said Council Member Helen Rosenthal, co-chair of the Women’s Caucus.

“Domestic violence impacts every corner of our City. Today, on Go Purple Day, we are ready to raise awareness and make sure survivors know that they can count on our City's agencies and nonprofit organizations for help. I want to encourage domestic violence survivors to come forward and get the help needed to get out of a dangerous situation. You’re not alone, we are here with you, we will protect you,” said Council Member Julissa Ferreras-Copeland.
Council Member Debi Rose said, “While we have made great strides in recent years to put a spotlight on this public safety crisis and have expanded resources available to women, including our Family Justice Center in St. George, rates of domestic violence in Staten Island remain unconscionably high. This morning, I joined local government and nonprofit groups in disseminating life-saving information to Staten Island Ferry commuters. My hope is that we not only spread the word about resources available to victims of domestic violence but also continue to put a spotlight on an issue that is too often not discussed.”

Council Member Vanessa Gibson said, “Domestic abuse and intimate partner violence is a real and persistent problem in our communities. Too often, victims don't seek help and are forced to hide in the shadows for fear of being stigmatized or ostracized. Today New York City stands together in support of victims of domestic violence and their families. I am proud to take part in Go Purple Day and thankful to Mayor de Blasio, First Lady Chirlane McCray, Commissioner Cecile Noel of the Mayor's Office to Combat Domestic Violence, and Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito for their dedication to destigmatizing domestic abuse. I am also proud to work alongside the City Council's Women's Caucus Co-Chairs Council Members Laurie Combo and Helen Rosenthal on this important issue and I thank them for their leadership.”

"Now and always, our City stands in solidarity with survivors of domestic violence," said Council Member Margaret Chin. "To anyone who has experienced intimate partner violence or dating abuse, you are not alone. Today's NYC Go Purple campaign aims to remove the stigma, raise awareness and share vital resources for anyone seeking one-on-one assistance or a safe place to talk. Thank you to Mayor de Blasio, the Office to Combat Domestic Violence and allies across the City for being strong partners in our fight to create systemic change and end violence against women and families."

About the Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence
The Mayor's Office to Combat Domestic Violence formulates policies and programs, coordinates the citywide delivery of domestic violence services and works with diverse communities and community leaders to increase awareness of domestic violence. OCDV collaborates closely with government and nonprofit agencies that assist domestic violence survivors and operates the New York City Family Justice Centers. These co‐located multidisciplinary domestic violence service centers provide vital social service, civil legal and criminal justice assistance for survivors of intimate partner violence and their children under one roof.