Buffalo State Goes Purple to Promote Domestic Violence Awareness

This week Buffalo State's iconic Rockwell Hall will be illuminated purple in honor of the statewide "Shine the Light on Domestic Violence," October campaign.  

The New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) is spearheading the campaign, now in its fifth year. Purple lights will shine from skyscrapers, bridges, storefronts, and college campuses across the state. This awareness effort has blossomed from several dozen participants in 2008 to more than 425 in 2011.

"I am proud that this will be the fourth year that Buffalo State has participated in this statewide initiative," said Liz McGough, project coordinator and case manager for Violence Intervention and Victim Advocacy (VIVA) at Buffalo State "I think that even just the simple act of lighting Rockwell Hall shows Buffalo State’s commitment to addressing domestic violence issues.” 

The lights are among a handful of observances and events meant to create awareness on campus this month. On Wednesday, October 17, the university is encouraging students, faculty, and staff to wear purple as part of OPDV’s "Turn the NYS Workforce Purple," observance. On Tuesday,  October 23, representatives from the Pride Center of Western New York and Haven House will discuss how domestic violence affects individuals in both straight and gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender relationships during a lecture at 12:15 p.m. in Classroom Building B332.

Throughout the month, the Criminal Justice Club and Criminal Justice Honor Society are sponsoring a personal care items donation drive for Crisis Services. They are looking for items such as shampoo, soap, and deodorant to put into care kits for sexual assault victims examined in area hospitals.

"Often, victims aren’t able shower until after the examination and their clothes are taken by the police for evidence," McGough said. "The care kits allow them to take a shower and change into clean clothes."

Donations can be dropped off in the lobbies of the Bulger Communication Center and the Classroom Building through October 30.

While the campus is promoting awareness of this important issue during October, McGough and her staff work year-round to support and advocate for students who are affected by sexual assault or domestic violence. To contact VIVA, call (716) 878-4029.

To learn more about resources available statewide, visit the OPDV website.