Purple Ribbon Campaign to Raise Domestic Violence Awareness Through October

October 6, 2023 | News, UToday, Alumni
By Calvin Sweeney



To raise awareness for domestic violence, intimate partner violence and the resources available to those impacted by them in the campus community, the University of Toledo Title IX Office, in partnership with Bethany House and UToledo Facilities and Construction and Supply Chain, is displaying the Purple Ribbon Campaign throughout the month of October.

As a symbol of courage, survival, honor and dedication to ending intimate partner violence, purple ribbons will be placed on light poles in Centennial Mall on Main Campus and in the courtyard of UTMC and Mulford Library on Health Science Campus. Attached to the ribbons will be a QR code that shares stories of those impacted by domestic violence as well as information on how to seek resources on campus.

Photo of a purple ribbon and a note attached to it that are wrapped around a metal pole as part of the Purple Ribbon Campaign at UToledo to raise awareness for domestic violence, intimate partner violence and the resources available to those impacted by them in the campus community throughout the month of October.

Purple ribbons will be placed on light poles on both campuses as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

“We hope that the purple ribbons will encourage the UToledo community to stop and think more about domestic and intimate partner violence and its impact on the community,” said Vicky Kulicke, director of Title IX and compliance and Title IX coordinator. “The goal is to raise awareness about this important issue and spark conversation.”

“We are hoping to bring the Rockets community together on Oct. 19 for Purple Thursday. We ask anyone able to wear purple that day to be a part of raising awareness and encouraging communication about healthy relationships, boundaries and preventing violence within our community,” said Brittany Kupresanin, manager of Title IX compliance, prevention and assessment.

There will be bowls of purple ribbons available that day at residence hall front desks and various offices across campus. You can join the Title IX Office’s Purple Thursday Instagram campaign, and help bring awareness to the impact of domestic violence, by taking a picture wearing purple or a purple ribbon and tagging @UToledoTitleIX for a chance to be featured on our story.

“The University is committed to addressing sexual misconduct, including dating and domestic violence,” says Douglas Huffner, associate vice president for risk management and chief risk officer. “We encourage students, faculty and staff to learn about and utilize the Title IX Office. It’s an important resource for those impacted.”

UToledo’s Title IX Office ensures compliance with federal law. The Title IX Office investigates reports of sexual misconduct, implements supportive measures when necessary and works to remedy the effects of sexual misconduct.

For more information about Title IX, the sexual misconduct education program, where to report an incident related to Title IX or additional resources, call 419.530.4191, stop by the office in Snyder Memorial Building Room 1120 or visit the UToledo Title IX website.

Photo of a purple ribbon and a note attached to it that are wrapped around a metal pole as part of the Purple Ribbon Campaign at UToledo to raise awareness for domestic violence, intimate partner violence and the resources available to those impacted by them in the campus community throughout the month of October.