The Hall of Languages will be illuminated with purple lights through the end of October to raise awareness of domestic violence.

‘I think it’s important to have the Hall of Languages shine purple because sexual assault and domestic violence happen on campus all the time. I’m not so sure that students who aren’t involved are aware of that,’ said Colleen O’Brien, program services coordinator at the Vera House, an Onondaga County organization that combats domestic and sexual violence.

The Syracuse University effort to illuminate the building is part of a statewide initiative to raise awareness about domestic violence. Purple gels were added to four ground spotlights and three pole-mounted spotlights on the north side of the Hall of Languages by SU’s Physical Plant staff, said university spokesman Kevin Morrow in a Monday news release.

‘We were approached by the Vera House asking if SU would be interested in partnering with them to promote Domestic Violence Awareness Month in a very visible manner,’ Morrow said.

Vera House suggested that SU light one of its buildings purple, the color associated with domestic violence awareness.

‘Domestic violence is a prevalent issue in society,’ Morrow said. ‘It’s being addressed on so many levels, and it’s important for students to be educated on what it is and understand how best to prevent domestic violence and how best to support victims of domestic violence.’

The purple lights shining on the Hall of Languages act as a reminder to people on campus that domestic abuse does exist and that it can affect anyone.

‘People who have been victimized don’t have to feel shameful or silent about what’s happened to them,’ O’Brien said. ‘The lights work to remind people that they are not alone. There is help, and no one deserves to be hurt.’

The Hall of Languages is one of many building and places recognizing the month with purple lighting. The Empire State Building, Niagara Falls, the Peace Bridge on the U.S.-Canada border and the Mid-Hudson Bridge, which connects Dutchess and Ulster counties in New York, are also lit in purple.

By illuminating buildings in purple, painting sidewalks and storefront windows purple, displaying purple balloons and wearing purple clothing and ribbons, the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence hopes to increase awareness of domestic violence, according to the Vera House Web site.

Each year, Onondaga County Family Court issues more than 750 temporary orders of protection and almost 400 permanent orders of protection, according to the Vera House 2008 Annual Report.

SU has resources for students in regard to sexual assault and domestic abuse. The R.A.P.E. center and the counseling center are available places to seek help. The Vera House also gives free counseling to students who want to seek help outside of the university’s boundaries.

Domestic violence is ongoing in Onondaga County, O’Brien said.

‘People are still being hurt and losing their lives because of this issue,’ she said. ‘It’s not just a fad that is going away. It affects everyone no matter their background, religion or education.’

rltoback@syr.edu

Published on October 20, 2009 at 12:00 pm