Today marks NYC Go Purple Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence as well as the resources available to help those who need it.

The Bronx borough president and members of the NYPD will hand out flyers with information about domestic violence and how to get help at the Parkchester train station today. New Yorkers are also encouraged to wear purple in commemoration of the day.

Buildings and landmarks across the city will light up purple tonight, including the Bronx County Courthouse and One World Trade Center.

Even though domestic violence is considered one of the most under-reported crimes, the city says last year there were more than 200,000 reports of domestic violence filed by the NYPD, which is an average of 700 every day. 

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson says the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic worsened the issue. In 2020, the Bronx had the highest number of domestic violence homicides in all of New York City.

Domestic violence, also sometimes called intimate partner violence, happens within an intimate relationship, meaning it doesn't only happen between romantic partners but could also be between a parent and child.

Go Purple Day was created in the hopes of bringing that number to zero by erasing stigma or shame and making sure every new Yorker knows that the ways to get help.

The city has several resources, including an emergency housing voucher program to help people experiencing abuse get out of their living situation and find other permanent housing.

In February, the city launched a free program for people who have been the ones harming their loved ones where they learn how to take accountability for their actions and not repeat past behavior.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or intimate partner violence, you can call the city’s 24-hour domestic violence hotline at 1-800-621-HOPE (4673) and find resources here.