Throughout the month of October, Arizona is awash in purple, symbolizing a collective stance against domestic violence as part of the Lighting Arizona Purple Campaign. Backed by the Governor's Office of Youth, Faith and Family, the campaign seeks to bolster awareness and support survivors. The state's Capitol too, will be bathed in purple light to mark the observance, part of the Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) activities.
A key event took place on October 4, on the Arizona State Capitol House Lawn, where the 11th Annual Lighting Arizona Purple Kick-Off Event unfolded. The gathering included speeches and performances, with GOYFF Director Tonya Hamilton stating, "The Lighting Arizona Purple campaign creates an opportunity for Arizonans to learn more about domestic violence, and show support for victims and the many organizations that provide life-saving services." This sentiment is echoed by the digital toolkit developed by the Governor's Office of Youth, Faith and Family, which aims to buoy engagement through social media graphics and messaging.
The campaign not only aims to educate but to directly engage the community. Post-event festivities included a one-mile awareness walk and a resource fair brimming with family activities, all geared towards fostering unity and information sharing amongst Arizonans. Earlier, on October 2, Director Hamilton and Governor Katie Hobbs visited the Sojourner Center, where Governor Hobbs began her career in social work, to highlight the vital conversations surrounding DVAM, as reported by the Governor's Office of Youth, Faith and Family.
Throughout October, local businesses and communities are encouraged to participate by lighting buildings in purple, a show of solidarity captured in the digital toolkit available on the Governor's Office of Youth, Faith and Family website. Information is shared on a state and national level through the site, which also contains the 2025 Arizona Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month Proclamation. In a display of enduring support, the toolkit features, downloadable graphics and sample social media messages.
For those in need of assistance, resources are readily available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline operates 24/7, and help can be reached at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY). Each light, each march, each conversation serves as a beacon of hope this October, and beyond, casting out darkness and guiding towards a safer Arizona, as per the Governor's Office of Youth, Faith and Family.
