Turn the Campus Purple

October 3, 2022

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

Every October, the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month, with this year’s theme being #Every1KnowsSome1. We acknowledge that there are those within our beloved community who have experienced this trauma firsthand. Domestic violence takes many forms including within families and romantic relationships. It can include physical, sexual, emotional, financial, and technological abuse and can impact anyone regardless of gender, cultural background, religion, sexual orientation, or any other identity. We also know that many who experience domestic violence feel isolated – especially during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. We are here to say you are not alone.

The Office for Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance (VPVA) has been a resource for survivors of domestic violence and other forms of trauma and crime for more than 30 years. Every October, VPVA hosts Turn the Campus Purple to acknowledge the survivors of domestic violence among us and keep this important conversation going. VPVA offers free and confidential counseling and advocacy, prevention education, and awareness campaigns to the Rutgers–New Brunswick community. We encourage you to review VPVA’s calendar of events to learn more about the upcoming events and community advocacy opportunities available this month and beyond. President Holloway’s vision of a beloved community can only be realized if we all feel safe and look out for one another. Here are a few things we can all do to support survivors among us:

• Share VPVA’s 24-hour hotline: 848-932-1181
• Request a VPVA-facilitated workshop for your organization
• Follow VPVA on social media: @ruvpva
• Become a trained Crisis Response Advocate
• Join SCREAM Theater, M.O.V.E. (Men against Oppression and Violence) or our Student Coalition
• Wear purple on Purple Thursdays during the month of October

Everyone within the Rutgers community deserves to feel safe. Everyone who experienced domestic violence in the past deserves to heal. Please continue to take care of yourselves and each other as we continue the semester.

Sincerely,

Francine Conway, Ph.D.
Chancellor-Provost, Rutgers University–New Brunswick

Salvador B. Mena, Ph.D.
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Rutgers University–New Brunswick