Over 300 take part in Purple Wave, Walk & Roll

A total of 339 members of the community gathered along the San Antonio basketball court roadside with posters, waving to ongoing traffic and passersby to raise awareness for the Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence’s Purple Wave, Walk, & Roll last Thursday afternoon with this year’s theme “Solidarity for Safety.”

The Purple Wave, Walk, and Roll is a free, community-wide event open to all ages. Every year, it’s being joined by Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence’s partnering organizations, agencies, survivors, their families, friends, and supporters. The event unites people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, coming together to support the movement.

According to NMCADSV Communication manager Ha’Ane Eugenio,the Domestic Violence Awareness Month walk has been held since 1995.

Originally known as the “White Ribbon March” and held once a month before 2011, the event became the “Walk Against Domestic Violence” and took place every October from 2011 to 2019. In 2019, it was renamed the “Purple Wave, Walk, & Roll” and is now held on Purple Thursday.

It was followed by a one-mile walk through the village, chanting encouraging and motivating slogans that change each year to reflect our theme and campaign of the month.

Eugenio added that each year, a different village is chosen as the venue for the walk, which allows them to bring support directly to where victims and survivors may live.

“Our goal is for survivors to hear the chants and feel supported, while also inspiring others to join the movement,” said Eugenio.

Purple Thursday is a national day where DVAM encourages people to wear purple to raise awareness about domestic violence and show support for victims and survivors. Wearing purple symbolizes solidarity, sparks conversations, and promotes advocacy. It encourages action against domestic violence and stands with those affected. It serves as a visible reminder of the importance of prevention and supporting victims and survivors.

Furthermore, Eugenio said that the Domestic Violence Awareness month will be concluded with a Candlelight Vigil, which is an invite-only event.

“This intimate and somber gathering provides a safe space for the families of victims to come together in remembrance and support. It provides them the opportunity to honor the lives of their loved ones lost to domestic violence, fostering a sense of community and healing in the process. We aim to create an environment where families can share their stories and emotions, offering each other comfort and understanding during this time.”

Meanwhile, last Saturday, NMCADASV collaborated with the Tinian DVAM Planning Committee, the Tinian Health Center, and the Tinian High School Stallion Battalion and hosted a 5K Fun Run, Walk, and Wheel to raise awareness for both Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

While the Rota’s DVAM Planning Committee will be hosting an Outreach Handwave tomorrow in collaboration with Domestic Violence & Bullying Awareness Month, in addition, they will also be hosting a 3-on-3 Friendly Youth Basketball Tournament and Day of Unity on Nov. 9, 2024.

“While our events take place throughout October, we emphasize that raising awareness about domestic violence is a year-round commitment. We encourage the community to engage in ongoing conversations and support victims and survivors. Together, we can create a safer and more supportive environment for everyone. Let’s stand united in our efforts to end domestic violence and promote a culture of respect and compassion in our communities,” said Eugenio.

NMCADSV would like to thank their sponsors: Tan Siu Lin Foundation; the Ayuyu Battalion from Kagman High School; the Dolphin Battalion from Marianas High School; the Manta Ray Battalion from Saipan Southern High School; the Club of the Artists at Northern Marianas College; the Division of Youth Services-Child Protective Services; the DLNR Division of Parks & Recreation; Mike Cruz; the Department of Public Safety; the CHCC Community Guidance Center’s Suicide Prevention Program and System of Care program; and the PSS Athletics Program.

Eugenio also expressed her gratitude to their 2024 DVAM Planning Committee.

“Your ongoing support and collaboration are invaluable to our efforts to raise awareness and provide support for our community,” she said.