This Is What It Means If You See A Purple Porch Light
If you observe the houses in your neighborhood, you might see some with porch lights that have different colors, such as blue, red, or green. They aren't there simply for the color preference; each color has a deeper meaning. For instance, a red light means heart health awareness. Blue, on the other hand, signifies support for police officers or autism awareness. When you see a porch light blinking, it means that there is an emergency (via Farm Food Family).
If the porch light is the color purple, it supports awareness of domestic violence and its victims. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, domestic violence affects around 10 million people in the United States each year. This includes spousal, child, and elder abuse, and victims may be subjected to different types of abuse including physical, emotional, sexual, and even economical abuse. In 2004, the Covington Domestic Violence Task Force (CDVTF) was established in Covington, Washington. The organization's goal is to raise domestic violence awareness and provide support to survivors of abuse.
Purple Night Lights movement
In 2007, CDVTF co-founder Victoria Throm came up with the campaign called Purple Light Nights in accordance with the National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is held in October every year. The Purple Light Nights campaign encourages homeowners, businesses, government agencies, and other organizations to change light bulbs to purple to increase awareness for domestic violence, per Go Purple USA.
Throughout the years, more than 30 states, as well as a few provinces in Canada, have joined the Purple Night Lights movement in an effort to increase awareness of domestic violence. Every October, purple lights line businesses and homes, and some choose to wear purple clothing as a show of support. In addition, press conferences and community gatherings are also conducted to spread information on domestic violence and how to help victims. There are also events that are held to honor those who have died from domestic abuse.