11/09/2025
I saw a house recently with 4 ceiling lights on the front porch. Three were a soft purple color and one was a regular soft white. I wondered if they had changed bulbs in a way that caused the odd mix of colors. Today I read this:
“There are people around us who lnow the pain of domestic violence-
• Emotional abuse: Gaslighting, humiliation, and constant criticism
• Verbal abuse: Yelling, insults, and threats
• Financial abuse: Controlling a partner’s money, preventing them from working, taking over their personal property and money
• Sexual abuse: Coercion, assault, or manipulation of consent
• Psychological abuse: Intimidation, isolation, and fear tactics
Often, the signs are subtle. Survivors may become withdrawn, cancel plans frequently, or seem unusually anxious about making mistakes. They may cover bruises or offer explanations that don’t quite add up.
he light can spark curiosity, leading to questions like:
A purple light on a porch msy mean someone there has been a victim or is in sympathy with a friend or loved one who is. It may cause others to ask,
• “Why is that light purple?”
• “What does it stand for?”
• “Is there someone in my life who might be going through this?”
Those questions are how awareness grows. Awareness is the first step toward prevention.
1 Listening Without Judgment�If someone trusts you enough to share their experience, don’t question or dismiss it. Believe them, offer support, and avoid pushing them into decisions before they’re ready.
2 Speaking Up Against Abuse�Whether it’s in your workplace, family, or community, challenge harmful behavior and attitudes. Abuse thrives in silence.
The purple light shines a spotlight on an ongoing problem, but ending domestic violence means going deeper.
That includes:
• Teaching youth about respect, consent, and healthy communication
• Encouraging open dialogue in families about relationships
• Holding abusers accountable in legal and social systems
• Challenging harmful gender norms and power imbalances
Prevention is not the job of survivors alone — it’s a community responsibility.
Domestic violence thrives in darkness, secrecy, and shame. The purple porch light is a small but steady way to break that darkness.”
