Wisconsin wears purple for domestic violence awareness

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Governor Walker declared Friday, October 25th “Wear Purple to Help End Domestic Violence Day” in Wisconsin. Purple is the official color of domestic violence awareness nationwide, showing support for victims and their families.

Some instructors at Drench Fitness in Milwaukee wore purple to help raise awareness, or even just start a conversation about it.

“People who have gotten it done to them, they are very shut off about it because they're scared and I think they need to know they can be open about and they can talk about it,” said Becca Clifford.

Carmen Pitre with the Sojourner Family Peace Center said that’s exactly what victims need to know, and she hopes that people realize that when they see all the purple.

“To me wearing purple says we are committed to being safe and being educated and to being engaged to people coming to us and saying they are in a violent relationship, that we are dedicated to helping them,” said Pitre. “You don't have to suffer alone. We're here to help. There are other people who care about you -- you're not alone.”

Pitre explained it’s an issue that's more prevalent in our society than most people realize.

“Everyone deserves to live in peace and to live in a violent-free home and that's why we dedicate ourselves to ending it in our community, and wearing purple is just an outward expression of that mission,” said Pitre.

October is nationally known as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Pitre said it's her organization’s goal to make purple as common during this month as pink is for breast cancer awareness.