'Shine the Light on Domestic Violence' Aims to 'Turn the State Purple' Oct. 15

October 09, 2014

SUNY Plattsburgh will participate in the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence’s “Shine the Light on Domestic Violence” campaign during October.

“SUNY is proud to participate in the “Shine the Light” campaign in downtown Albany and at our 64 campuses throughout New York as we take a united stand against domestic violence,” said Nancy L. Zimpher, chancellor of the State University of New York.

Purple lights will illuminate Hawkins Hall from Oct. 13 through 17 as part of the SUNY-wide effort to increase awareness about the dangers and prevalence of domestic violence. The SUNY Plaza in Albany will also be lit with purple lights throughout the month of October.

“It is our hope that by illuminating SUNY Plaza in the color purple this month, it can serve as a beacon for the city and increase our public awareness about the dangers of domestic violence and remind victims that support is available,” said Zimpher.

Additionally, the state has designated Oct. 15 as “Turn the State Purple” day, which encourages all New Yorkers to wear purple that day. SUNY Plattsburgh will participate and encourages students, faculty and staff to don purple as well.

“We hope (the campus) will participate in the ‘Shine the Light on Domestic Violence Campaign and help to 'turn the state purple,’” said Susan Welch, assistant vice president of human resource services at SUNY Plattsburgh. “Not only will this enhance awareness of domestic violence, it will also help to reinforce our workplace policy.”

Take Action

“SUNY Plattsburgh has always played an active role in educating the campus community on intimate partner violence,” said Rhema Lewis, health educator and outreach coordinator for the Center for Student Involvement. “This year, the Health Education and Outreach Program will facilitate events and awareness campaigns that will educate the campus about the 'red flags' of an unhealthy relationship, components of a healthy relationship, and ways to support friends using the Step UP! Initiative.”

The Step UP! Be a Leader, Make a Difference program aims to teach students practical skills for safe intervention on issues including sexual and domestic violence, among others.

Help is Available

If you are a victim of a sexual assault, dating/partner violence, stalking and/or hate crimes on campus:

Get to a safe place as soon as you can.

In the case of a sexual assault, try to preserve all physical evidence: do not bathe, brush your teeth, douche, use the bathroom, eat, drink, or change your clothes.

If you would like to take college or legal action, contact the University Police immediately (call 911 in an emergency), or use a Blue Light, or call 518-564-2022, or stop by University Police in the Health Center building. University Police will investigate and follow the appropriate protocols and procedures.

You may go to the Center for Student Health and Psychological Services, and/or to Sexual Assault Services and/or STOP Domestic Violence for support and counseling. These resources are free and strictly confidential.

Student Health and Counseling Center at 518-564-3086

Health Educator and Advocate: 518-564-4830

Stop Domestic Violence Hotline: 888-563-6904

Help is also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the state Domestic and Sexual Abuse Hotline, 800-942-6906, where trained counselors respond to a variety of needs, including: crisis intervention; supportive counseling; information and referral services; and technical support to providers.

For more information about SUNY Plattsburgh services and related events, contact Lewis at [email protected].