SUNY Plaza Goes Purple for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Albany – State University of New York Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher today announced that the SUNY Plaza building in downtown Albany will be lit with purple lights for the entire month of October, as part of the NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) “Shine the Light on Domestic Violence” campaign.

“SUNY is proud to participate in the ‘Shine the Light’ awareness campaign and join the hundreds of agencies, businesses, and individuals who are taking a stand against domestic violence,” said Chancellor Zimpher.

OPDV Executive Director Amy Barasch said, “OPDV wants to thank the State University of New York for their continuing support of the “Shine the Light on Domestic Violence” campaign. It is so important, when 32 percent of college students report dating violence by a previous partner, and 21 percent report violence by a current partner, that educators join in these efforts. The purple illumination of the glorious D&H building in downtown Albany will serve as a true beacon for everyone.” 

The SUNY Plaza flood lights that shine on the face on the building will be tinted purple every Monday through Friday night in the month of October, beginning Monday, October 3. In addition to participation at SUNY System Administration, many of the SUNY campuses across New York will also raise awareness for domestic violence in the month of October. 

This is OPDV’s fourth year to “Shine the Light on Domestic Violence” by turning the State purple. In the past, landmarks such as Niagara Falls, the Empire State Building, bridges, colleges, and statues were illuminated purple for a day, a week, or the entire month. In addition, main streets and public vehicles have been adorned with purple flags, and employees, hospital staff, and small business owners have dressed in purple or worn purple ribbons.

To create further awareness, OPDV has designated Oct. 19 as the date to “Turn the NYS Workforce Purple,” and is encouraging all New Yorkers to wear purple to work. 

Nearly one in four women in the U.S. reports experiencing violence by a current or former spouse or boyfriend at some point in her life; and almost half the women murdered in New York State are killed by their intimate partner. In addition, 80 percent of teens say they know someone who has been controlled by a partner and 60 percent know someone who has been physically abused. 

Help is available for all victims of domestic abuse. Call OPDV at 1-800-942-6906 or visit the OPDV website for more information.

About the State University of New York

The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive university system in the United States, educating more than 467,000 students in more than 7,500 degree and certificate programs on 64 campuses with nearly 3 million alumni around the globe. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunity, visit www.suny.edu