The Daily OrangeHall of Languages goes purple for domestic violence awareness
By Rebecca Toback
Posted: 10/21/09, 2:14 AM EST Section: News
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.
"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.
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