Surrey going purple to stop domestic violence

Thursday marks the first day of B.C.’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 

According to The Province of British Columbia, 48% of women have experienced intimate partner violence since the age of 15.

Starting in 2006, Purple Light Nights occurs every October in cities across North America, shining light on intimate partner violence in our communities and to honour victims and survivors.

The collaboration, including The City of Surrey, along with Surrey Police Service, and Surrey-based nonprofit organizations, Options Community Services and Surrey Women’s Centre, presents a collective community voice illustrating Surrey’s recognition of this important issue. 

This Surrey collective is dedicated to growing the campaign in years to come, while engaging the community and expressing that intimate partner violence has no place in Surrey. Increasing awareness about the presence and effects of family violence and sharing information on the supports available in the community, are also vital priorities.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home and in their community,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “We all have a role to play in preventing intimate partner violence and supporting those affected by it. This October, we’re standing with survivors, raising awareness and reminding anyone experiencing violence that they are not alone and support is available.”

Purple lights will be displayed at locations throughout Surrey, including within Surrey’s Civic Plaza, which will be illuminated in purple from Oct. 1 to 2 and from Oct. 22 to 31.

Surrey Police Service is once again participating in Purple Light Nights, building on its involvement in last year’s campaign to raise awareness of intimate partner violence and the importance of creating safer communities. Police are often among the first points of contact for people experiencing this violence, but meaningful prevention and support extend beyond a police response.

“Purple Light Nights is an important way to demonstrate that our community stands with the victims of intimate partner violence,” says Surrey Police Service Interim Chief Const., Todd Matsumoto. “Collaborative education, prevention, and awareness efforts, which support victims and their families, and enforcement efforts, are integral to making our homes, neighbourhoods, and city safer.” 

Surrey nonprofit organization, Options Community Services offers various supports and programming, including a Domestic Violence Intervention Program that includes a Mom’s Empowerment Group, designed for mothers who have experienced abuse in their intimate relationships, and the Caring Dads Group, supporting fathers in developing child-centred and abuse free relationships with their children and their children’s mother. Options also operates two Transition Homes for women and children fleeing intimate partner violence, along with a Threshold Multicultural Outreach Program and the PEACE program. 

“Providing specialized support for all members of a family experiencing violence in the home is a significant focus for our organization,” says Options’ Director of Children, Families and Special Services, Elysa Philip. “This collective initiative is an important way to connect the community while sharing, learning, and standing as one against violence in Surrey homes.”

The Surrey Women’s Centre has provided wraparound support to survivors of gender-based violence since 1992. Through safety planning, police and hospital accompaniment, resource referrals, court support, counselling, a drop-in centre, legal support, and Windrose, Surrey’s first dedicated sexual assault centre, the team walks alongside and advocates for survivors on their journey out of violence and abuse.

“Purple Light Nights is a time to honour those whose lives have been touched by intimate partner violence while sending a powerful message that survivors are not alone, and that together we can create pathways to safety, healing, and hope,” says Surrey Women’s Centre Executive Director, Shahnaz Rahman. “We remember the lives tragically taken, stand with those who continue to live with its impacts, and celebrate survivors who had the courage to seek support and find a new beginning.”  

Raising awareness for this devastating issue can help to reduce stigma, encourage people to seek support, and connect individuals with community resources and services.

BC residents are encouraged to join the discussion and voice their support for Purple Light Nights on social media by using the project hashtag, #SurreyShinesPurple.

The collective urges anyone experiencing violence from abuse to seek support, which is available throughout Surrey. Individuals are encouraged to call the Fraser Health Crisis Line, Surrey Women’s Centre Crisis Line at 604-583-1295, or Surrey Police Service’s victim services at 604-599-7600, where they will be offered supports best suited for them.