FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Courtney Davis
Assistant Director for Public Relations
Prince George’s Community College
daviscl@pgcc.edu
Prince George’s Community College Partners to Raise Awareness of Domestic Violence
Purple Light Nights ceremony reinforces County commitment to solidarity
LARGO, Md. (October 1, 2020) – Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) ushers in National Domestic Violence Awareness Month today with a virtual Purple Light Nights Lighting Ceremony, co-sponsored by the Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Office, to spread awareness of the impact and prevalence of domestic violence.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in four women and one in ten men experience violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Historically, the rates of domestic violence in Prince George’s County are among the highest in the state. The Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Office notes current rates remain steady overall, with slight declines in some areas.
“We’re delighted that, notwithstanding the challenges COVID-19 presents around large gatherings, our co-host – Dr. Williams and PGCC – made this ceremony possible,” said Sheriff Melvin High of the Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Office. “Citizens and residents, as well as partners and service providers, look forward to the Purple Light Nights Lighting Ceremony as a focal point that begins Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence never takes a break, and so neither can we.”
The Purple Light Nights Lighting Ceremony featured keynote speaker LuAnn Edwards, managing attorney of the House of Ruth Maryland, Domestic Violence Legal Clinic. Three awardees were honored for their commitment to domestic violence awareness: Justine Love, national vice president, Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc.; Stanley Johnson, chief, Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission Police; and Dr. Delaine Smith-Clark, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center, University of Maryland Capital Region Health.
Additional event participants included Dr. Falecia Williams, Prince George’s Community College president; Melvin High, Prince George’s County sheriff; and Darrin Palmer, Prince George’s County chief assistant sheriff.
At the end of the event while holding purple lights, participants took part in a countdown ceremony, which symbolized their solidarity with domestic violence awareness. In accordance with Purple Light Nights tradition, participants keep their purple lights illuminated for the duration of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, recognized annually during the month of October.
“As we participate in today’s symbolic lighting ceremony, remember awareness is only the start,” said Dr. Falecia Williams, Prince George’s Community College president. “Even after this event ends and Domestic Violence Awareness Month comes to a close, never let your purple light burn out. Keep your lamp burning because more people than you know are counting on that light to lead them to shore.”
Initially launched in 2007 as a local initiative in Covington, Washington, Purple Light Nights has expanded into a national effort. Key goals of the initiative include promoting healthy relationships among youth and adults, increasing awareness of domestic violence, and providing assistance to victims and their families.
Click here to watch the Purple Light Nights ceremony. If you or someone you know is in need of support, contact the Prince George’s County Family Justice Center hotline at 301-780-8008.
About Prince George’s Community College
Named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance designated by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security (2015-2020), Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) provides high-quality education and training for the progressive and career-oriented residents of Prince George’s County. From new high school graduates and career seekers to more seasoned professionals and senior citizens looking to enhance their skillsets, PGCC is comprised of students who represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and goals. Serving nearly 35,000 individuals annually, the College is the first choice for higher education for residents of Prince George’s County. Collaborative partnerships, responsive degree and training programs, and a commitment to student success enables PGCC to address diverse education and workforce development demands.
For more information, visit the college website at www.pgcc.edu. Prince George’s Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104; (267-284-5000); www.msche.org. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.
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