Lights to ‘Go Purple’ Friday Night on Pat Neff Hall, McLane Stadium, I-35 Bridges

Baylor University will recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month by lighting campus, city landmarks

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WACO, Texas (Oct. 26, 2017) – The lights on Baylor University’s Pat Neff Hall tower and McLane Stadium, along with the I-35 bridges, will “Go Purple” at dusk on Friday, Oct. 27, as the University observes the 30th anniversary of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM).

Purple is a symbol of peace, courage, survival, honor and dedication to ending domestic violence.

One in four women will be the victim of domestic violence at some point in her lifetime. Domestic violence shelters, despite tremendous challenges, served nearly 70,000 victims in one day alone, according to the National Network to End Domestic Violence.

Throughout October, communities across the country join together to mourn for those whose lives were taken by domestic violence, celebrate the tremendous progress victim advocates have made over the years and connect with one another with a true sense of unity to end domestic violence.

In support of Alpha Chi Omega and the Student Advisory Council to promote awareness of DVAM on campus, the University partnered with athletics and the City of Waco to light the campus landmarks and I-35 bridges purple.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) evolved from the Day of Unity held in October 1981 and conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The intent was to connect advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children.

In October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. That same year marks the initiation of the first national domestic violence toll-free hotline. In 1989, the U.S. Congress passed Public Law 101-112 designating October of that year as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Such legislation has passed every year since with National Coalition Against Domestic Violence providing key leadership in this effort. Each year, the Day of Unity is celebrated the first Monday of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 17,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.