Surrey plans purple lighting in October to raise awareness of domestic violence

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Purple Light Nights events across North America use purple lighting in the fall to draw attention to intimate partner violence and honour victims and survivors. Surrey is taking part for the first time, with displays planned at Surrey Civic Plaza on Oct. 1-2 and 22-31, as well as at other sites. The collective organizing the activations includes Options Community Services, Surrey Women's Centre, the City of Surrey and Surrey Police Service.

Organizers encourage people to display purple lights at work and at home to show that intimate partner violence has no place in Surrey. They also invite social media posts using #SurreyShinesPurple. B.C. government statistics say close to 48 per cent of women have experienced intimate partner violence.

Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke said everyone has a role in preventing intimate partner violence and supporting those affected. She said the city would stand with survivors in October, raise awareness and remind anyone experiencing violence that they are not alone and support is available. Locke is campaigning for re-election.

Options Community Services offers a Domestic Violence Intervention Program, including a Mom's Empowerment Group for mothers who have experienced abuse in intimate relationships. It also organizes a Caring Dads Group to support fathers in building child-centred, abuse-free relationships with their children and their children's mother. Elysa Philip, the organization's director of programs, said specialized support for all family members experiencing violence at home is a significant focus for Options.

Surrey Women's Centre has provided wraparound support to survivors of gender-based violence since 1992. Executive director Shahnaz Rahman said Purple Light Nights honours people whose lives have been touched by intimate partner violence and sends the message that survivors are not alone. She said the community can work together to create pathways to safety, healing and hope.

Surrey Police Service interim chief constable Todd Matsumoto said police are often among the first points of contact for people experiencing domestic violence, while prevention and support extend beyond a police response. He called Purple Light Nights an important way to show that the community stands with victims of intimate partner violence.

People experiencing domestic violence can call the Fraser Health Crisis Line at 604-951-8855, the Surrey Women's Centre Crisis Line at 604-583-1295, or Surrey Police Service victim services at 604-599-7600.