HAMPTON ROADS (WAVY) — October 21 is National Wear Purple Day for domestic violence awareness.

During the month of October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, counselors and advocates across Hampton Roads work to prevent, protect and support those in abusive relationships. 

The YWCA of South Hampton Roads, based in Norfolk, works year-round to help prevent and treat the causes and harms of domestic and sexual violence. 

Throughout the month of October, YWCA has prepared several educational promotions, survivor support mechanisms and community events. During the National Week Without Violence (October 18-23), YWCA has allocated events each day aimed at communal restoration and healing.

YWCA South Hampton Roads will host a Community Candlelight Vigil event on Thursday evening.

The vigil is being held to mourn, remember and honor those in the community that we have lost to acts of violence. This event is open to all community members whose lives have been touched by violence, and specifically domestic and sexual violence.

It’s from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at 500 E. Plume St., Norfolk and will be an hour dedicated to those who survived and those who were lost to the impact of violence. This vigil will be a time for the community to support each other in collaborative resilience, strength and emotional healing.

Samaritan House in Virginia Beach continues to raise awareness with the Paint 757 Purple movement. Nearly 40 Hampton Roads businesses will help educate customers while raising much-needed funds to assist victims of violence. 

“The pandemic generated a spike in the need for our services which has not subsided after the quarantine and restrictions were lifted. For 2021, we are excited to have many returning and new businesses participate in Paint 757 Purple and we encourage everyone to patronize businesses that support our mission,” said Robin Gauthier, Executive Director, Samaritan House. 

Help Paint 757 Purple by donating via by text to “SAM” to 50155 or shopping at the listed locations.

Business Services

Food, Beverage and Entertainment (listed alphabetically)

Retail & Personal Care Services

Home Services

Avalon Center in Williamsburg

Eastern Shore Coalition Against Domestic Violence

  • Hotline number: 757-787-1329
  • Offers: emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis hotline, individual counseling, safety planning, children’s services, legal advocacy, accompaniment during hospital visits and court appearances and support groups to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
  • Website: escadv.org

Samaritan House Inc. in Virginia Beach

  • Phone: 757-631-0710
  • Offers counseling, emergency shelter placement and safety planning.
  • 24-hour Crisis Hotline 757-430-2120

H.E.R. Shelter in Portsmouth

The Genieve Shelter in Suffolk

  • Phone: 757-925-4365
  • Offers emergency shelter and crisis services.
  • Crisis Hotline 757-705-2025 or 757-353-1439
  • Contáctanos para ayuda inmediata 1-800-969-4673
  • Website: thegenieveshelter.org

Transitions Family Violence Services in Hampton

  • Phone: 757-722-2261
  • Offers emergency shelter, crisis services, court advocacy, and counseling.
  • 24-hour Crisis Hotline 757-723-7774
  • Website: transitionsfvs.org

YWCA South Hampton Roads in Norfolk

  • Phone: 757-625-4248
  • Offers emergency shelter and crisis services.
  • 24-hour Crisis Hotline 757-251-0144
  • Website: ywca-shr.org

National Human Trafficking Task Force Hotline: 1-888-3737-888.  

Hampton Roads Human Trafficking Task Force: 757-430-2120

Blue Campaign to bring an end to Human Trafficking

Prevent Child Abuse America – Coronavirus Resources & Tips for Parents, Children & Others.

Child abuse and neglect are serious problems that can have lasting harmful effects on its victims. For more information on preventing child abuse and neglect check out resources from the CDC, or call The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 for help.