Albany – State University of New York Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher today announced that the SUNY Plaza building in downtown Albany will again be lit with purple lights for the month of October, as part of the NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) “Shine the Light on Domestic Violence” campaign.
The SUNY Plaza flood lights that shine on the face on the building will be tinted purple every Monday through Friday night.
Help is available for all victims of domestic abuse. The NYS Domestic and Sexual Abuse Hotline (800-942-6906) responds to and is a resource for victims of domestic and sexual violence, concerned others and professionals, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The hotline provides trained counselors who respond to a variety of service needs, including: crisis intervention, supportive counseling, information and referral services, and technical support to providers.
In alignment with SUNY’s strategic planning commitment to improving the vibrancy of New York’s communities across the state, Chancellor Zimpher opened SUNY Plaza to the public, with the announcement that a year-round Farmers’ Market would be held on site every Thursday afternoon. During inclement weather and the winter months, the market will be held inside System Administration’s first floor gallery, where artwork by SUNY students is always on display.
SUNY’s downtown footprint has never been larger. In addition to the SUNY Plaza complex, which includes System Administration, the Research Foundation, and Charter Schools Institute on Broadway, SUNY’s Rockefeller Institute of Government is just up the hill, and SUNY Poly, formerly the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, recently acquired and is revitalizing Kiernan Plaza.
This is OPDV’s seventh year to “Shine the Light on Domestic Violence” by turning the State purple. In the past, landmarks such as Niagara Falls, the Empire State Building, bridges, colleges, and statues were illuminated purple for a day, a week, or the entire month. In addition, main streets and public vehicles have been adorned with purple flags, and employees, hospital staff, and small business-owners have dressed in purple or worn purple ribbons.
OPDV has also designated Oct. 15 as the date to “Turn the State Purple,” and is encouraging all New Yorkers to wear purple that day.