ASU Police Department to show support for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Arizona State University Police Department officers and aides will wear purple Velcro patches, bracelets and lapel pins throughout October to show support and create awareness of the subject.

"The Purple Patch is an outward expression of an inner commitment to connect with our community and serve them in every way possible," ASU Police Chief Michael Thompson said. "We want to support them and let them know we are here to help those who may be experiencing domestic violence, dating violence and stalking."  

According to the National Coalition of Domestic Violence, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by their partner in the United States. In addition, the coalition says that one in three women and one in four men have been victims of physical violence by a partner within their lifetime.

"We want to increase awareness, educate community members about domestic violence and talk about the impact that it can have on individuals and communities," said Katy Harris, ASU Police information officer. "The Velcro patches, bracelets and lapel pins are designed to show support for survivors and a commitment to ending violence in our community." 

The department is also partnering with Educational Outreach and Student Services to collaborate at multiple domestic violence awareness tabling events throughout the month, starting with a kickoff event Oct. 2 at the Tempe campus' Student Services Lawn. See a full list of events below. 

The domestic violence awareness patches are just the department's most recent efforts. In 2014, the department became the first university to declare its commitment to the Start by Believing cause — a global campaign that aims to transform the way people respond to sexual assault. Thompson also led his agency in creating a Special Victims Unit (SVU), making ASU one of just four universities in the nation with an SVU dedicated to addressing sexual assault on campus. The ASU Police Department was also at the forefront of April's Sexual Assault Awareness Month campaign. 

ASU Police domestic violence awareness events

Oct. 2: Domestic Violence Awareness Month kickoff, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Student Services Lawn, Tempe campus. Crime Prevention will be present.

Oct. 19: ASU Wear Purple Day, all campuses

Nov. 1–2: Clothesline Project, all day, Hayden Lawn, Tempe campus. Crime Prevention will be present.