Purple Thursday: Supporting survivors and sparking conversation

Dawsyn Wilson - Editor in Chief

Last Thursday, Monmouth College’s Mental Health Peer Educator, Maddison Riggs, hosted an informational table for Purple Thursday. “The peer educators set up the booth today to do Purple Thursday, which is a day to recognize domestic violence awareness,” said Riggs.

At the table, Riggs provided materials to make bracelets for yourself or your loved ones, as well as purple ribbon pins to spread awareness. Riggs also provided information on resources students can access in Monmouth and Galesburg.

Handmade purple ribbon pins by Madison Riggs. Photo by Dawsyn Wilson

Every third Thursday of October, people wear purple in support of domestic violence survivors and raise awareness. Domestic Violence Awareness Month began in 1987 to support survivors and spread awareness of the signs and dangers. Congress officially designated October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1989.

“I think a lot of college students are figuring out what’s healthy and unhealthy in relationships, and some may not be able to identify what is unhealthy behavior,” Riggs said. She also plans to distribute resources and information across campus.

Purple Thursday evolved from a march on Washington, D.C. by over 100,00 advocates for equal rights on July 9, 1978. Many wore lavender. In 1981, organizers chose purple to promote the first Domestic Violence Day of Unity. Purple has become a symbol of peace, courage, survival, honor, and dedication to ending violence.