A Purple Ribbon Is a Promise

Throughout October, purple ribbons have appeared on trees, lampposts, and storefronts across southwestern Illinois. Volunteers have given their time, businesses have shown their support, and entire communities have joined the Violence Prevention Center in recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

For some, those ribbons are a reminder that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. For others, they represent something much more personal. A survivor might see one on their way to work and be reminded that someone cares. Someone currently experiencing abuse might see one and begin to wonder if help is available. Someone who has lost a loved one to domestic violence might see one and know their loved one has not been forgotten.

But what happens when October ends and the ribbons come down?

We believe a purple ribbon is more than a decoration. It's a promise.

A Promise to Recognize Abuse

Domestic violence doesn't always look the way we expect it to.

It doesn't always leave visible bruises. It doesn't always involve shouting or physical violence. Sometimes it looks like someone slowly losing access to their friends, their finances, or their ability to make decisions for themselves.

Sometimes it looks like fear disguised as keeping the peace.

At its core, domestic violence is about power and control. And when we understand that, we begin to recognize abuse in ways we might have previously overlooked.

Awareness means learning to see beyond the stereotypes. It means understanding that abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of age, income, education, gender, or background.

And it means being willing to question what we think we know.

A Promise to Believe Survivors

When someone experiencing abuse chooses to share their story, our response matters.

Too often, survivors are met with questions about why they stayed, why they didn't recognize the warning signs, or why they haven't left yet.

But leaving an abusive relationship can be incredibly complicated and dangerous. Survivors may face financial barriers, threats, concerns about children or pets, isolation, or fear of what their abuser might do next.

Instead of asking why someone hasn't left, we can ask what they need.

Instead of offering judgment, we can offer compassion.

Instead of making decisions for them, we can respect their right to make decisions about their own lives.

We don't have to understand every part of someone's experience to believe them. And we don't have to have all the answers to make a difference.

Sometimes, the most important thing we can offer is a safe place to begin the conversation.

A Promise to Take Action

The purple ribbons hanging throughout our communities didn't get there on their own.

They were hung by people who decided that domestic violence awareness was worth their time and attention. People who showed up, gave an hour of their day, and helped make an often-hidden issue visible.

That matters.

But the opportunity to make a difference doesn't end when the ribbons come down.

Taking action might mean participating in a PurpleOne training to learn how to recognize, respond to, and refer someone experiencing domestic violence. It might mean encouraging your workplace, church, or organization to become a Safe Place. It might mean sharing resources, supporting the Violence Prevention Center, or simply being willing to have a conversation that someone else might find uncomfortable.

None of us can end domestic violence on our own. But every one of us can contribute to a community where abuse is recognized, survivors are supported, and safety is taken seriously.

A Promise That Lasts Beyond October

In a few weeks, the purple ribbons will come down. The trees and storefronts will return to looking the way they did before October began.

But the need for awareness, compassion, and action will remain.

Domestic violence doesn't follow a calendar. Survivors need support in November, in January, and every day of the year.

So as Domestic Violence Awareness Month comes to a close, we hope the ribbons have done more than catch your attention. We hope they've started conversations, challenged assumptions, and reminded you that the people experiencing domestic violence are our neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family members.

Most of all, we hope they've inspired a commitment that lasts long after the color purple disappears from our streets.

Because a purple ribbon isn't just a symbol of awareness. It's a promise that we will keep showing up.

The Violence Prevention Center of Southwestern Illinois provides free, confidential services to individuals experiencing domestic violence. To speak to someone confidentially about abuse, call 618-235-0892.