‘Light Up the Night’ Walk Honors, Remembers Domestic Violence Victims

The walk will start at Lamar Hall on campus Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. and will end at City Hall.

Purple represents women, children and men who live with domestic violence. Purple represents courage and bravery. Purple shows the strength and unity of a community coming together.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Family Crisis Services alongside many sponsors will hold a “Light Up the Night” walk honoring and remembering domestic violence victims and survivors. The walk will start at 6 p.m. on Oct. 22 at Lamar Hall on the University of Mississippi campus and will end at Oxford City Hall where the Oxford Police Department officers will speak and there will be a glowstick vigil.

“We will be wearing our purple, literally wearing our support on our backs,” said Mary-Margaret Chaffe, advocate/program assistant
for Family Crisis Services of Northwest Mississippi. “We want Oxford to get their purple out and join us in sending a clear message that domestic violence is not welcome in this community or anywhere.”

Domestic violence affects many men, women and children nationally. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence:

• Every minute, 20 people are victims of intimate partner violence
• Domestic Violence is the third leading cause of homelessness among families
• Over 15,000,000 children witness domestic violence each year.
• Every 15 seconds a woman is battered in the United States
• 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have been victims of domestic violence

Proud Larry’s and Square Pizza will have a special offering for those who support the cause. If you’re wearing purple and purchase a food item, you get a free fountain drink.

“Fountains are fun for wishing so think of it as a peaceful wish for anyone in an abusive situation,” Chaffe said. “Let the night be lit up with wishes.”

Sponsors and supporters of the event include the Oxford Police Department, University Police Department, Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department, Sarah Isom Center for Women and Gender Studies, UMatter @ Ole Miss, Blackburn Properties, Roberts Wilson, Pinion Family Insurance, Suthern Oasis Spa, Southern Coop, Hotty Toddy Tan, The Nail Shop, Oxford T-Shirt Company, MGC Insurance Defense.

“We hope to see everyone walking alongside us in their best purple,” Chaffe said.

Hottytoddy.com staff report