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Paint the town purple this October to show your support for survivors and victims of domestic violence during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This Oct. 23, Millersville University’s Center for Health Education and Promotion is hosting its annual Purple Carnival from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Student Memorial Center Promenade.
The Purple Carnival is an interactive, carnival-themed resource fair dedicated to educating the campus community about healthy relationships and raising awareness about domestic violence and related issues. Students who attend can learn more information on several topics, including affirmative consent and sexual assault, along with connections to resources such as reporting options and supportive services.
“The Purple Carnival is an awareness event that focuses on domestic violence,” says Miguel Pereira, Millersville’s Title IX Coordinator. “For Millersville University, it is important to understand the signs of domestic violence, what services the campus can provide and how to build healthy relationships with others.”
The recognized color for domestic violence awareness is purple, as it symbolizes courage, survival, peace and a dedication to ending violence. The color was chosen for its association with strength and its ability to represent survivors who have endured physical and emotional abuse and continue to thrive. The use of purple to support this cause began in 1981 with the first Domestic Violence Day of Unity and has since become a universal symbol for the monthlong observance in October.
According to Pereira, some common myths regarding domestic violence include:
Myth: Domestic violence is not a problem in my community.
Myth: Intimate partner violence is a personal matter between partners.
Myth: If it were really that bad, the victim would leave.
Join the Center for Health Education this October and take action to break the cycle of domestic violence. Attend the 2025 Purple Carnival to help dispel myths and foster an informed, supportive campus community.
This campaign is dedicated to raising awareness and creating a safer community for all. For those needing help or information about sexual and domestic violence, resources are available at https://www.millersville.edu/sexualviolence/.
YWCA Sexual Assault Advocate: Hotline 717-392-7273 | wehearyou@ywcalancaster.org | Drop-in hours on Mondays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Domestic Violence Services of Lancaster: Hotline 717-299-1249 | Text SAFE to 61222 | muadvocate@caplanc.org | Drop-in hours on Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Learn more about the Center for Health Education and Promotion at https://www.millersville.edu/chep/.
