Symbolism of the Purple Ribbon
What began close to
three decades ago in scattered communities as a visible gesture of support for survivors and victims of family violence, today
has become one of the most widely-recognized symbols of the battered women’s movement, the purple ribbon.
The exact history of
the purple ribbon is difficult to pinpoint. Over the years, a number of sources have been credited with originating the use
of purple ribbon as a unifying symbol of courage, survival, honor and dedication to ending family violence.
Across the country,
families and friends of victims have adopted the purple ribbon to remember and honor their loved ones who have lost their
lives at the hands of a person they once loved and trusted. Shelters and local battered women’s programs use the purple
ribbon to raise awareness about the crime of domestic violence in their communities. The purple ribbon also has been recognized
by state Legislatures in proclamations commemorating October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Purple ribbons are
. . .
Made into pins and passed out at local events.
Embroidered on the t-shirts, hats, and bags of those passionate about ending the violence.
Hung on doors.
Wrapped around tress.
And draped over fences at murder scenes.
