If you see bunches of people sporting purple hair next week, don’t be surprised, just give them a nod of praise and support.
It’s all part of the community’s annual Purple Ribbon Campaign to end violence against women in our society.
The campaign runs Sunday, Dec. 1 to Tuesday Dec. 10 a time that coincides with the national Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on Friday, Dec. 6.
The Women’s Contact Society is delivering the Purple Ribbon Campaign in Williams Lake with support from local businesses.
Purple ribbons to wear can be picked up at one of more than 50 business partners displaying campaign poster and information cards, says society executive director Irene Willsie.
Or put a little purple in your hair.
Free removable hair extensions are available Wednesday, Dec. 4 to Saturday, Dec. 7 at Intrigue Hair Studio between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. or at Eloquence Spa & Salon between noon and 3 p.m.
Purple hair is also available at Thompson Rivers University on Thursday, Dec. 5 from 12:30 to 4 p.m.
The campaign is held to remember all women who have died violently and the many thousands who continue to live with abuse; and to raise awareness of the pervasiveness of violence against women.
This is an opportunity for women, as well as men, to remember and acknowledge violence against women and speak out against violence, Willsie says.
The purple ribbon, like the Purple Heart, symbolizes the injury and suffering of victims of violence, in this case not victims of war or political violence, but of violence against women in our homes, schools, neighbourhoods.
“Interpersonal violence is learned in our homes,” Willsie says. “We want to promote healthy values: Love and respect.”
Why do we need to speak out?
• Domestic violence hurts our children, women, community and economy.
• The World Health Organization states that 35 per cent of women worldwide have experienced either intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence during their lifetime.
• Education is the key, not distrust, silence, or denial.
• Domestic violence has long-term community effects; 80 per cent of all violent criminals report a history of experiencing or witnessing violence as a child.
“Don’t be a bystander; wear a purple ribbon and tell everyone why,” Willsie says. “Say no to violence against women.
For more information please contact Irene Willsie, Women’s Contact Society
P.O. Box 4094, 51A South Fourth Avenue, Williams Lake, BC V2G 2V2 – Telephone: 250-392-4118.