If you happen to spot a purple-painted pumpkin around Lexington this October, know that it represents something much deeper than everyday Halloween decor.
These colorful “Peace Pumpkins” are part of a community-wide campaign to spotlight domestic violence awareness and honor resilient survivors during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Volunteers painted around 150 pumpkins purple and set them up across town, placing them in popular spots like neighborhood coffee shops and local tattoo parlors. Organizers designed the initiative to get people talking about domestic abuse and connect those in need with helpful support services.
“It’s the most important thing,” said Stephanie Theakston, program coordinator with the Domestic & Sexual Violence Prevention Coalition. “We recently had a campaign, and it was ‘know about it, talk about it, do something about it,’ and really talking about it is the first step.”
The team chose purple because it serves as the official color representing domestic violence awareness.
“So that just meant making sure that purple was present because that’s the color that represents Domestic Violence,” Theakston said.
Advocates emphasize that these brightly painted pumpkins offer a visible reminder of just how widespread domestic violence really is.
“Important to continuously provide opportunity for survivors to be noticed,” Theakston said. “It’s a much bigger problem than people realize and think. If people knew how many lives have been touched by Domestic Violence, not just in this community but in their own lives, they would be shocked.”
According to organizers, research shows that one in three women and one in 10 men across the United States have experienced domestic violence during their lifetime.
Beyond fostering open dialogue, coalition leaders want the project to remind survivors that caring help is always available.
“We just really want people to know that there are resources out there. Not just for adult survivors but for child survivors,” Theakston said. “We want them to know that people are working in this community every day to help increase their safety and make sure our system is more responsive to their needs.”
Organizers point out that putting an end to domestic violence takes active community participation, and even a single supportive conversation can be the first step in helping someone find safety.
The Peace Pumpkins will stay on display throughout October as Lexington recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Plenty of local partners joined in on the mission. The University of Kentucky’s Violence Prevention (VIP) Center helped paint the pumpkins, collaborating with several community organizations to distribute them:
* The Nest
* Amanda’s Center
* Chrysalis House
* Elder Crafters from the Lexington Seniors Center
* Sexual Violence Resource Center
* Preschool students from various classrooms
If you or someone you care about is experiencing domestic or sexual violence, confidential support is available 24/7 through the National Hotline at (800) 799-7233.