Sheriffs in Charles, Prince George’s, and Anne Arundel counties are collaborating in a series of “Purple Light Nights” events in honor of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, starting in late September. The events are organized by the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Office, and Anne Arundel County Sheriff’s Office in a show of unity against domestic violence. The effort also involves partnerships with the Charles County Center for Abused Persons (CAP) and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Southern Maryland Chapter.
These symbolic events are scheduled for three consecutive nights in different jurisdictions:
- Sept. 26 in Prince George’s County at Prince George’s Community College, Novak Field House Lot H
- Sept. 30 in Anne Arundel County at Lawyers Mall in Annapolis
- Oct. 1 in Charles County at the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters
Each event will see a prominent building illuminated with purple lights, a color representing domestic violence awareness. The lights will continue to shine throughout October, representing a commitment to combat domestic violence and a call for community solidarity.
“Domestic violence is a silent epidemic that affects countless individuals and families,” said Charles County Sheriff Troy D. Berry. “By shining these purple lights, we hope to bring this issue out of the shadows and inspire our community to stand together in support of survivors.”
The three-night initiative includes public ceremonies, during which survivors, advocates, and law enforcement officials will share their insights on the pervasive issue of domestic violence. Speakers include Sheriff Berry, Annette Gilbert Jackson, Executive Director of the Center for Abused Persons; Michelle Lyons, President of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Southern Maryland Chapter; and Roz Manley, a domestic violence survivor and community advocate.
Manley, a Charles County resident and President of the Center for Abused Persons, will share her personal story of survival. A survivor of severe abuse in her teens and early adulthood, she now works with the Charles County Public Schools and dedicates her platform to educating others on the importance of recognizing and addressing domestic violence.
The initiative aims to increase public awareness of the harsh realities faced by victims of domestic abuse and to remind the community that support is available. “This is not just a problem that happens behind closed doors,” said Sheriff John Carr of Prince George’s County. “We all need to be part of the solution.”
The Charles County event on Oct. 1 will be held in the parking lot of the Sheriff’s Office Headquarters in La Plata. The event will proceed rain or shine. Resources and information booths will be available to the public starting at 6 p.m., and the official ceremony will begin at 6:45 p.m.
Attendees at the Charles County event will receive purple light bulbs, donated by Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO). They are encouraged to display the bulbs on their porches to show support for domestic violence survivors. The simple gesture serves as a visible sign of unity against abuse.
“These purple lights represent hope and a future without violence,” said Michelle Lyons. “By displaying these lights, we send a message to survivors that they are not alone, and we stand with them.”
The “Purple Light Nights” initiative highlights the importance of community support in addressing the cycle of domestic violence. Advocates stress that breaking the silence surrounding domestic violence is the first step toward offering victims the help they need to heal. The Center for Abused Persons (CAP) in Charles County offers vital services, including a crisis hotline, counseling, and advocacy for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.
For more information on the events, or if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, CAP can be reached at (301) 645-3336.
