Purple Walk Raises Awareness of Domestic Violence in Palm Beach County

Palm Beach County Victim Services hosted its third annual Remember My Name: Purple Walk for Domestic Violence Awareness on Wednesday, October 28, along the West Palm Beach waterfront. The event brought together community members, partner organizations, and law enforcement to raise awareness about domestic violence and honor those affected by abuse.

Recognized each October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month was first introduced in 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The annual Purple Walk serves as a call to action, encouraging community members to recognize the signs of domestic violence, speak out against abuse, and support victims and survivors. Along the route, signs featuring messages of hope and resilience honored those impacted by domestic violence. Representatives from the Palm Beach County Domestic Violence Coordinated Community Response, Aid to Victims of Domestic Violence (AVDA) and other community organizations joined the walk in support of this important cause.

Palm Beach County Victim Services Outreach Coordinator Emily Blaylock and Grant Coordinator Winter Jones also attended the event. Both shared remarks emphasizing the importance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, highlighting relevant statistics and encouraging individuals to break the silence surrounding abuse. Their messages reinforced the importance of awareness, community involvement, and ensuring victims and survivors know that support is available.

Participants wear purple to symbolize courage, peace, dignity, survival and solidarity with victims and survivors of domestic violence. By wearing purple together, community members and advocates demonstrated a shared commitment to remembrance, compassion, and meaningful change.

Palm Beach County Victim Services remains committed to supporting victims through free, confidential, trauma-informed services tailored to each person's needs. The department provides a safe, compassionate environment where victims of violent crimes can begin to heal while accessing resources that promote safety, justice and community awareness. Working closely with law enforcement, hospitals, prosecutors, victim advocates and community-based organizations, Victim Services helps individuals navigate available resources and find the support they need.

Services include victim advocacy, court accompaniment, individual therapy, support groups, forensic nursing, medical follow-up, and community outreach. Through these efforts, Palm Beach County Victim Services continues to empower victims and survivors, strengthen community partnerships, and promote awareness to help prevent domestic violence.