'NYC Go Purple Day' Will Raise Awareness About Domestic Violence 'Silent Epidemic'

NEW YORK CITY, NY — A citywide campaign to raise awareness about domestic violence in New York City, known as "NYC Go Purple Day," will take place on Thursday, Oct. 6.

The Mayor's Office to Combat Domestic Violence has asked participants to "wear purple and post photos of yourself wearing purple with your own statement," and to use the hashtags #NYCGoPurple and #DVAM2016 across social media.

City Councilmember Laurie Cumbo went on BRIC TV's "BK Live" this week to explain how domestic violence, which she describes as a "silent epidemic," largely goes unnoticed in the city despite being widespread.

"When I came into office in 2013, I was shocked at the number of the domestic violence cases in this district alone," she said. "So for example, I represent approximately 160,000 people and in 2013 when I came in there were 13,000 cases... and the vast majority goes unreported. Individuals and families need to know where to go for help."

Watch the full segment below.

Cumbo represents District 35, which covers portions of Bed-Stuy, Fort Greene, Downtown Brooklyn, Clinton Hill, Crown Heights and East Flatbush.

"In 2013, New York City’s Domestic Violence Hotline advocates answered 99,719 calls, averaging more than 270 calls per day," Cumbo wrote on her Facebook page.

Elected officials and other advocates throughout the five boroughs plan to dress in purple and pass out info on the epidemic — including info on the resources available for domestic-violence survivors — to morning commuters on Thursday.

Lead photo by Arturo Pardavila III/Flickr