Purple Lights Initiative Presentation

The purpose of this presentation is to learn more about the Purple Lights Initiative, to recap last year's event and hear about the opportunities for an event this year. 

Background:  The Purple Lights Initiate highlights and draws attention to the issue of domestic abuse and seeks to promote a "conversation" about domestic abuse to increase awareness of this critical issue. 

In 2018, staff was contacted by Mary Sheie, an Anoka County resident and active participant in several local and metro area domestic violence awareness groups.  She had earlier submitted a proposal to the Anoka County Sheriff to participate in the "Purple Lights Initiative" which is an initiative to illuminate the outside of government buildings in purple during October 2018, which is Domestic Violence Awareness month.  The Sheriff's Office Building on Hanson Boulevard was illuninated with purple lights during the  month of October.  In addition, the City of Ramsey Council also supported this initiative in 2018.  The City contributed $500, and along with private donations, succeeded in lighting the Municipal Center buildings and spaces purple, the signatory hue for domestic violence awareness.  The purpose is to highlight/draw attention to the issue of domestic abuse and join a "Conversation" about it that is already going on both statewide and nationally.  From that conversation will flow more local education and awareness about this critical issue.  The City promoted the event in the newsletter, on its web page,  and in its social media accounts.