Long Beach Bridge to illuminate purple this month in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month – Press Telegram

Editor’s note: Help is available if you are experiencing domestic violence. Anonymously reach the National Domestic Resource Hotline by calling 1-800-799-7233, texting ‘START’ to 88788, or chatting online at thehotline.org. 

The Long Beach International Gateway Bridge will turn purple from Thursday, Oct. 16, to Oct. 31 — in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Illuminating the bridge in purple light will serve as a reminder to the surrounding communities of the lives impacted by domestic violence and the collective commitment to fostering safety, healing and hope for survivors, WomenShelter of Long Beach leaders said.

Domestic violence affects one in three individuals in the United States during their lifetime, according to a press release. By casting the bridge in purple – the official color of Domestic Violence Awareness Month – Long Beach joins communities across the nation in raising visibility for this critical issue, officials said.

“Every time the bridge shines purple, it represents our city’s shared dedication to ensuring survivors are seen, supported and believed,” Kent Wallace-Meggs, executive director and CEO of WomenShelter of Long Beach, said in a statement. “It is a symbol of hope and resilience, and a call to action for all of us to be part of creating safer communities.”

WomenShelter of Long Beach is a nonprofit that provides comprehensive services to survivors of domestic violence, including emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy and prevention education programs, according to its website.

The bridge lighting – made possible with the support of the Port of Long Beach – also amplifies the nonprofit’s mission of eliminating domestic violence through compassionate intervention, education and personal empowerment by sparking awareness citywide and inspiring community members to learn more about the signs of abuse and how to help, nonprofit leaders said.

WomenShelter of Long Beach is encouraging community members to share photos on social media using the hashtags #DVAM and #KnowTheSigns to help spread awareness.

Earlier this month, the nonprofit also hosted its annual Domestic Violence Awareness Vigil at the Arts Expo Center in Bixby Knolls. This year’s program, on Oct. 3, featured a moment of silence to honor the lives lost to intimate partner violence, a survivor sharing their personal story, remarks from local officials and a poetry reading.

Attendees also had the opportunity to create poster boards in solidarity with survivors and learn more about the comprehensive services and prevention programs offered by WomenShelter of Long Beach, according to a press release.