Domestic Violence Roundtable Lit Wayland Purple

This October - Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2020 – eleven places of worship, two historic and two public buildings in Sudbury, Wayland, and Framingham were illuminated. When we lit those purple lights – purple, the color of courage – they not only raised public awareness of the prevalence of domestic violence, but they were also a beacon of hope. They were a sign of our solidarity, and they shone in the darkness, both applauding the courage of survivors and reaching and reaching out to them to say we are with you, we stand by your side, and we understand.

During this month, the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable used purple lights to raise awareness about the prevalence of domestic violence and the 3 to 4 women and girls who are murdered each day in our country within intimate relationships. It was the largest, most beautiful and dramatic display to date. It both honored those lost to domestic violence and brought awareness to the community that domestic violence has no borders.

This year during the pandemic, the display of support for survivors was more important than ever. The incidence of domestic abuse has risen during Covid 19, and the ability of survivors to reach out has decreased due to social distancing. The purple lights send a powerful message of hope and support to those experiencing abuse especially to those suffering in silence in the suburbs.

This year Sudbury Center was ablaze in purple. First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, The Presbyterian Church in Sudbury, Hosmer House, and The Sudbury History Center as well as the Sudbury Police Department and Memorial Congregational Church were lit with purple lights.

The Roundtable would like to thank all of this year’s participants and acknowledge the generous financial support of the Lauren Dunne Astley Memorial Fund and The Lydia Maria Child Foundation of First Parish Unitarian Universalist in Wayland. Special thanks to Susan and Brad Keyes of Keyes North Atlantic in Wayland for their help with the lighting schedules and installations.

To learn more about Domestic Violence resources and the Roundtable’s programs, activities, and volunteer opportunities, please go to www.domesticviolenceroundtable.org. or follow the Roundtable on Facebook. The Roundtable can also be reached at infodvrt@gmail.com.