In a recent town council meeting, officials in Castle Rock, Colorado, proclaimed October 17, 2024, as Purple Thursday in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This annual campaign aims to raise awareness about the prevalence and impact of intimate partner violence, emphasizing that survivors are not alone in their struggles.

The proclamation highlighted alarming statistics, noting that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 9 men experience intimate partner violence during their lifetimes, with the highest incidence occurring among individuals aged 16 to 24. Additionally, it was reported that 1 in 15 children are exposed to domestic violence, with 90% witnessing abuse. Such exposure can lead to severe consequences, including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and difficulties in social interactions and academic performance.

The council underscored that domestic violence is a serious crime affecting individuals across all demographics, violating their privacy, dignity, and security. The proclamation called for a community commitment to providing trauma-informed services and education to ensure that healthy relationships are accessible to all and that domestic violence is unequivocally deemed unacceptable.

The town council's resolution reflects a broader commitment to addressing domestic violence as a local priority, emphasizing the need for community involvement in supporting survivors and preventing future incidents.