Why are those buildings purple? Purple, it is said, is the color of courage, survival, honor, and hope. It is also the color recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month that takes place each October.

During this month, the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Roundtable used purple lights to raise awareness about the prevalence of domestic violence and the 3 to 4 women and girls who are murdered each day in our country within intimate relationships. It was the largest, most beautiful and dramatic display to date. It both honored those lost to domestic violence and brought awareness to the community that domestic violence has no borders.

This year during the pandemic, the display of support for survivors was more important than ever. The incidence of domestic abuse has risen during Covid 19, and the ability of survivors to reach out has decreased due to social distancing. The purple lights send a powerful message of hope and support to those experiencing abuse especially those suffering in silence in the suburbs.

This year Wayland was ablaze in purple. First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, The Wayland Public Safety Building, Trinitarian Congregational Church, Temple Shir Tikva, the Islamic Center of Boston, and Community United Methodist Church were lit with purple lights.

The Roundtable would like to thank all of this year’s participants and acknowledge the generous financial support of the Lauren Dunne Astley Memorial Fund and The Lydia Maria Child Foundation of First Parish Unitarian Univeralist in Wayland. Special thanks to Susan and Brad Keyes of Keyes North Atlantic in Wayland for their help with the lighting schedules and installations.

To learn more about Domestic Violence resources and the Roundtable’s programs, activities, and volunteer opportunities, please go to www.domesticviolenceroundtable.org. or follow the Roundtable on Facebook.

The Roundtable can also be reached at infodvrt@gmail.com.