The Purple Allies Project
Radiance is excited to announce our Purple Allies Project! Taking place throughout Domestic Violence Prevention Month, the Purple Allies Project will fundraise for critical programs and work alongside businesses to educate our community on recognizing the more subtle and lesser-known signs of abuse. Domestic Violence doesn’t have to be a taboo subject. In Canada, a woman or girl is killed every 48 hours, primarily by men (Canadian Femicide Observatory, 2022). With statistics like that, it is time to normalize the conversation. The risk of offending is not worth the risk of a life.
Purple Allies Recognize
Purple Flags
It’s time we all start trusting our instincts—our Spidey-senses are going off for a reason. When we see an interaction between a couple, whether it’s a friend, family, ourselves or a customer at work, and something just doesn’t feel right, that is usually because it’s not. When these ‘purple flags’ go off in our head, we may not know what exactly we’re seeing, or how to react.
Enter Radiance. We are here to teach you about why these interactions stand out to you, what they could be a sign of, and how you, as an ally, can respond. Remember: just like those experiencing abuse are not alone, you are not alone in supporting them.
Below are a few signs that someone may be in a relationship that is already abusive, or could be heading in that direction.
Purple Allies in Your Community
This November, businesses throughout Calgary are coming together to participate in workshops to help them better support their family members, friends, coworkers and customers who may be experiencing abuse, and to fundraise in support of Radiance and our efforts to end family violence. Looking to support a business that supports others? Below is a list of Purple Allies.
As a local business, you have customers, employees and vendors coming through your building on a regular basis. You learn their names, their coffee order, and you know when things have started to change in their world. Because of this, you have a unique opportunity to alter the trajectory of their story. Through safe and effective intervention, you can give a person experiencing domestic violence the tools to seek help. Our Purple Allies workshop is designed to help you quickly identify if someone may be experiencing abuse, and support them in a way that empowers them to exercise their choice to seek out a safer situation for themselves. To become an ally to those experiencing abuse, and to support Radiance, request more information by emailing philanthropy@radiancesociety.ca.
Become an Ally
Throughout the month of November, Radiance will be hosting workshops focused on the topic of domestic violence, and how to recognize and respond to the signs of abuse. These workshops, entitled ‘When the Family is No Longer Safe’, are insightful virtual sessions that are relevant whether you are a concerned friend, co-worker or family member, or if you just want to expand your knowledge to better support members of your community. Click below on the date that best works for you to register.