Penn State’s “Wear Purple Day”

October represents Domestic Violence Awareness Month as it provides an opportunity to shine light on the impact of domestic violence and support those affected by it. Penn State University has taken Oct. 17 of this Calendar year to create “Wear Purple Day,” dedicated to raising awareness and showing solidarity with survivors.

A Color Towards Support

Purple has long been associated with the domestic violence awareness movement, symbolizing courage, survival, and the fight against abuse. By wearing purple, students and faculty send the idea that they stand with survivors and are committed to ending the cycle of violence. Penn State’s community embraced this initiative donning purple clothing and accessories across campus.

Survivor Stories: Voices of Strength

Allowing individuals the chance to speak empowers them with incredible strength, but those individuals feel a second beam of empowerment through seeing their peers draped in the royal color itself.

Campus Engagement and Support

Beyond wearing purple, the Penn State community devoted time and energy to turning the campus itself purple. Last year the Gender Equity Center ‘lighting up’ purple in honor of showing support to those affected.

This year the lights have spread to more partners across campus including The Bryce Jordan Center displaying Purple on the 17th on its digital board outside the center all day, the College of Communications lighting the front-facing windows of Carnegie Building facing Pollock Road in the evening.

The College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, in partnership with the Women in Earth and Mineral Sciences student group, will also light the Edward Steidle rotunda and atrium along with the Ryan Family Student Center.

The Importance of Continued Conversations

“Wear Purple Day” at Penn State is a vital reminder of the ongoing need for awareness and action against domestic violence. While the event itself lasts just one day, the conversations it creates melt into the environment where survivors feel safe and supported.

Education and awareness are crucial in combating stigma and encouraging individuals to speak out against abuse.

Bronwyn Liber is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email brl5354@psu.edu.