Willowbrook hosts 2nd annual ‘Purple Out’ in support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month

On Oct. 29, the color purple filled the halls at Willowbrook as the school participated in a “Purple Out” in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the first Day of Unity observed in October 1981 by the coalition. The Day of Unity is celebrated on the first Monday in October, and support is shown by wearing purple.

Willowbrook junior Christian Cloutier started the “Purple Out” initiative last year, and he spent about five days making 1,500 ribbons for this year’s event. He said one of his family members was affected by domestic violence, and he wants to make sure his classmates don’t suffer that same fate.

“As high school students, we’re at the age when we’re starting to get into serious relationships, and it’s best for people to know the dangers of domestic violence before it’s too late,” Cloutier said. “That’s why I wanted to start this event.”

Find out more about Cloutier’s work on the Facebook page for Domestic Violence Angels at http://tinyurl.com/k7mwj9d. 

The “Purple Out” was made possible with the help of students from Willowbrook’s Interact Club, Young Men's Group (called MENTORS) and Ladies Group. During lunch periods, those students distributed the purple ribbons, as well as T-shirts with a pink-and-purple ribbon (to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month). Tri-folds also were displayed in the cafeteria for students to learn more about domestic violence.