The Vancouver Police Department currently responds to more than 4,000 Intimate Partner Violence-related calls each year. What might be more shocking is that fewer than 700 of these call result in charges. Additionally, these numbers are actually strikingly low compared to Statistics Canada’s findings that 44% of women over the age of 15 have experienced Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in their lifetime. Rates are even higher among Indigenous women, members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities, yet many incidents still go unreported.
As a result, the VPD recently expanded their Intimate Partner Violence awareness campaign to coincide with the already-established Intimate Partner Violence Awareness Month that is widely recognized throughout North America. This is also commonly known as the Purple Lights Campaign.
Led by Detective Adrian Lawson, the VPD’s increased contribution to the Purple Lights Campaign aims to increase the number of IPV reports to police by empowering survivors to come forward, and ensure individuals know that help is available.
“The goal of the VPD’s Purple Lights campaign is to get people talking about intimate partner violence and to break the silence and stigma that keep so many suffering in isolation,” explains Detective Lawson.
“We want to reach those who are afraid to seek help or may not even realize they’re in an abusive situation, and show them that resources, hope, and support are available. We also want to empower friends, families, and bystanders to speak up when they see signs of violence.”
With funding from the Vancouver Police Foundation, Detective Lawson and his team deepened the VPD’s participation with both a formal awareness campaign and by ensuring that exterior lights on VPD buildings in Vancouver were illuminated purple. Joining both VPD HQ buildings were Science World, BC Place, the Vancouver Convention Center and City Hall which were also illuminated purple for at least one day in October in solidarity.
The awareness piece was centred on social media engagement, community outreach, and public displays of support to shed light on this often-hidden issue. Through platforms like Instagram and Facebook, the campaign shared stories of survivors, information about available resources, and updates on community events, all designed to spark important conversations. These efforts were coordinated between the Vancouver and Fraser Valley branches of the initiative, in partnership with the Abbotsford-Mission Violence Against Women in Relationship (VAWIR) Committee.
Members of the VPD’s Intimate Partner Violence and Risk Assessment Unit also initiated and attended a proclamation event at Vancouver City Hall in October, which had Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim formally recognize October as Intimate Partner Violence Awareness Month in the City of Vancouver. The presence of law enforcement, municipal members and community partners in far reaching campaign this like underscores the importance of continued collaboration, awareness, and action.
In addition to its digital presence, the VPD hosted community booths at high-traffic events throughout the month of October. These booths are staffed by detectives, community advocates, and IPV resource partners who provide brochures, resource guides, and compassionate support to individuals affected by IPV. The goal was simple but powerful: to connect people in need with the help and resources available to them, and to remind survivors that they are not alone.
“At its heart, the VPD’s Purple Lights campaign aims to start conversations, challenge stigma, and empower action,” adds Detective Lawson. “By shining a light on this critical issue, Purple Lights helps build a network of awareness, understanding, and hope, one that guides survivors toward safety and healing.”
The VPD’s strengthened participation in the Purple Lights Campaign is an important step help make a difference in the fight against Intimate Partner Violence. Through the campaign’s symbolic purple lights, awareness and hope continue to grow, encouraging survivors to seek help and inspiring a more supportive, safer Vancouver for all.
Click here for more information about Purple Lights Nights.
The Vancouver Police Foundation supports programs and initiatives that fall within three streams: community outreach and engagement (including programs for women, youth and seniors); public and personal safety; and specialized equipment and technology. You can help make Vancouver safer for all by donating to the Vancouver Police Foundation.
