Paint The Town Purple for Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Throughout the month of October every year, Monroe STOPe participates in the National Domestic Violence Awareness campaign for the purpose of community awareness and education. There are many ways survivors are honored, supported, and informed throughout the process of these awareness activities. It is our belief that through individualized care, encouragement, and resource accessibility we can see an overall reduction in the number of Monroe County citizens who are affected by domestic violence.
Domestic violence affects 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men, according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline. It destroys the homes of newlyweds as well as long-term marriages, the lives of both the rich and the poor, and it occurs in the dwellings of people, young and old alike. Domestic violence knows no boundaries and causes toxic, traumatizing anxiety and fear in more than just the lives of the direct victims. Domestic violence affects the children, loved ones, and friends of victims, too.
Monroe STOPe is here to serve those who’ve been affected by domestic violence either directly or indirectly. The Paint the Town Purple awareness campaign is led to ensure Monroe County citizens are knowledgeable of their rights and resources regarding domestic violence, and to let survivors know they are not alone!
In Her Shoes: An ‘Experiential Learning Activity’
DO YOU EVER WONDER…
Why a woman stays in an abusive relationship?
Why survivors of domestic violence make the choices they do?
What resources for survivors of DV are in our area?
What might you be able to do to help?
“…experiencing In Her Shoes/In Their Shoes leads communities to shift their thinking about domestic violence and evolve their practives around what it really means to support survivors, hold those who cause harm accountable, and envision a world where violence and abuse don’t flourish as they do now. We all want communities where people can live and love freely without fear. It is up to us to create conditions where violence does not thirve and where communities are safe, secure, and whole.”
-Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Seattle, Washington, USA www.wscadv.org
This event is free and open to the general pulic.
Wear Purple Day
Purple Thursday is a national day of action each October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It is an opportunity to raise awareness about domestic violence and an easy way for people to show their commitment to promoting healthy relationships. Please join us as we honor domestic violence survivors across the country and right here in Monroe County by wearing purple to your office or workplace on Thursday, October 23, 2025 for National Wear Purple Day.
State Employees can also show support by wearing purple on October 16, 2025.
Take a photo of yourself or your group wearing purple. Post your photo on social media with hashtags #PurpleThursday and #MonroeSTOPe. You can also send your photos to Monroe STOPe by text 423-519-1232 or email: advocatemonroe@gmail.com
1) Post a Pic, 2) Use #PurpleThursday and #MonroeSTOPe, & 3) Tag Us!
Shining a Light On Domestic Violence Displays
To serve as a voice for the “Silent Victims” a purple light is on display at the Monroe County Justice Center and the Monroe County Courthouse in Madisonville, honoring silent victims in hopes they'll one day find the courage they need to speak out.
Studies show over half of all cases of domestic violence or intimate partner violence were unreported to the police. (47% reported to police; source: https://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/cv17.pdf )
Purple Ribbons
The display of purple ribbons we have placed around the Madisonville Courthouse conveys a powerful message that there’s no place for domestic violence in the homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, or schools of its citizens. There is a way out. There IS hope available! Monroe County has a federally funded (free to you) Victim Serving Agency and the resources available to help those in need. Knowledge is power, help us spread the word about the help that is available!
Show your support by requesting a FREE purple bow to display on your mailbox, porch, or outside of your business. Limited supply available. To request a bow, text or all 423-519-1232 or email advocatemonroe@gmail.com.
It is the desire of Monroe STOPe (Standing Together Offering Protection and Encouragement) to spread the message of the Paint the Town Purple Domestic Violence Awareness campaign. Help us STOP Domestic Violence!
The Clothesline Project
The Clothesline Project is a powerful visual display that raises awareness about the impact of domestic violence, sexual assault, and abuse in our community. Survivors and supporters decorate shirts with messages and stories, which are then hung on a clothesline to symbolize the voices that too often go unheard.
This project not only honors those affected but also fosters healing, dialogue, and hope for change. Join us to help decorate shirts or attend one of the public displays to show your support.
How to Participate
Decorating Day
Join us on October 1st from 3:30–5:30 PM at the Houston Park Pavilion to decorate a shirt for the Clothesline Project. All materials will be provided, and volunteers will be on hand to guide you through the process.
Installation & Display
Shirts will be displayed during our installation days across Monroe County:
October 2 @ 5 PM – Madisonville Courthouse Lawn
October 7 @ 12 Noon – Sweetwater Duck Park
October 8 @ 5 PM – Tellico Plains Save A Lot Parking Lot
Can’t make Decorating Day?
No problem! You may:
Contact us to arrange a time to pick up materials and make a shirt at home.
Create your own shirt using a plain t-shirt and fabric-safe markers/paint, then bring it to one of the installation events.
Important Note
Because the display is public and family-friendly, we ask that shirts avoid profanity or explicit language. Strong, emotional, and powerful messages are encouraged—but please help us keep the focus on raising awareness in a way that can be shared safely in community spaces.