Purple Lights Nights Abbotsford & Fraser Valley

06/10/2026

Strangulation is a medical emergency—and it doesn’t always leave visible marks.

Many people mistakenly use the terms choking and strangulation interchangeably, but they are not the same. Strangulation occurs when external pressure is applied to the neck, restricting blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Even a few seconds can cause serious internal injuries, loss of consciousness, brain injury, stroke, or death.

⚠️ Important facts:
• Up to half of strangulation victims may have no visible external injuries.
• Symptoms can appear immediately or develop hours to days later.
• Warning signs include difficulty breathing, neck pain, dizziness, confusion, voice changes, memory loss, and loss of consciousness.
• Survivors of intimate partner strangulation face a significantly increased risk of future lethal violence.

If you or someone you know has experienced strangulation, seek immediate medical attention even if there are no visible signs of injury.

06/10/2026

2nd Annual Meet & Greet for Intimate Partner Violence Front-Line Workers ✨

We were grateful to gather with dedicated professionals for a morning of connection, collaboration, and knowledge sharing focused on strengthening support for individuals and families impacted by intimate partner violence.

A special thank you to our guest speakers:
• Christina Simpson, Forensic Nursing Service, Abbotsford Regional Hospital
• Dr. Amanda V. McCormick, University of the Fraser Valley
• Frances de Boer, Archway Community Services

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to meaningful conversations that help build safer, healthier communities. Together, we continue strengthening our community response to intimate partner violence.

05/30/2026

"Nearly half of domestic abuse survivors delay leaving dangerous situations because they don’t want to abandon their pets. That’s why actress Mariska Hargitay partnered with the Purple Leash Project, to make sure pets are welcome in shelters so that no one has to choose between their safety and their beloved animals." - via The Female Quotient

The fear the many women in abusive situations have for their pets is well-founded: over 70% of pet owners entering domestic violence shelters report that their abuser had threatened, injured, or killed family pets as a means of control. As of 2024, however, the Domestic Violence Services Network reports that only about 15 percent of domestic violence shelters accept pets.

The Purple Leash Project, a partnership between Purina and RedRover, a non-profit organization that helps people care for their pets during crisis situations, works to make domestic violence shelters pet-friendly so survivors don't have to choose between their safety and their pets. You can help by supporting organizations like RedRover, spreading awareness, or advocating for pet-friendly policies at local shelters.

To learn more or to give to RedRover so more survivors can find safety with their pets, visit https://redrover.org/ways-to-give/

For an excellent book for older teens and adults about the early warning signs of abusive relationships, myths about abusive personalities, and how to get help, we highly recommend "Why Does He Do That?: Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men" at https://www.amightygirl.com/why-does-he-do-that

For two excellent books about a tween girls' experience with sexual harassment - both for 10 and up - check out "Maybe He Just Likes You" (https://www.amightygirl.com/maybe-he-just-likes-you) and "That's What Friends Do" (https://www.amightygirl.com/that-s-what-friends-do)

To teach younger children -- girls and boys alike -- about asserting their own boundaries and respecting the boundaries of others, we highly recommend "Let's Talk About Body Boundaries, Consent, and Respect" for ages 4 to 7 (https://www.amightygirl.com/body-boundaries) and "Consent (for Kids!)" for ages 6 to 10 (https://www.amightygirl.com/consent-for-kids)

And if you’re a parent concerned that your daughter may be in an unhealthy relationship, check out the books “But I Love Him: Protecting Your Teen Daughter from Controlling, Abusive Relationships” (https://www.amightygirl.com/but-i-love-him) and “Saving Beauty From The Beast: How to Protect Your Daughter from an Unhealthy Relationship” (https://www.amightygirl.com/saving-beauty-from-the-beast)

05/30/2026

05/17/2026

Historic ruling from the Supreme Court of Canada: victims of intimate partner violence can now sue abusers under a new legal category called the “tort of intimate partner violence.”
The court recognized that abuse goes beyond physical violence — including coercive control, manipulation, intimidation, isolation, surveillance, economic abuse, and sexual coercion.
The landmark decision came from Ahluwalia v. Ahluwalia, where the court ruled that existing laws didn’t fully address the harm caused by IPV, especially the loss of autonomy, dignity, and equality experienced by survivors.
Advocates and B.C.’s attorney general are calling the ruling a major step forward for survivors seeking justice.

05/14/2026

Violence is never acceptable. The Moose Hide Campaign stands for respect, safety, and healing — engaging men and boys as part of the solution, not through shame or blame, but through awareness and action.

Did you know?
• Over 60,000 women in BC experience physical or sexual assault every year
• 1 in 3 women will be sexually assaulted in her lifetime
• Nearly 8,000 women and children stay in shelters daily across Canada because home isn’t safe
• Thousands of Indigenous women and girls have gone missing or been murdered in Canada

Domestic violence is preventable. Change starts with all of us. 🧡 💜

05/13/2026

Moose Hide Campaign - May 14th- click on the link to find the virtual workshops available on campaign day.

Workshops See the full list below of our 2026 moose hide campaign day workshops! ; Below are the virtual workshops available on Campaign Day Virtual workshop sessions are offered within the broader Campaign Day schedule. Facilitators on a variety of topics will help deepen your understanding of gend...

05/13/2026

Tomorrow is Moose Hide Campaign Day 2026.
A day to stand together against violence toward women and children.
A day to walk with courage, respect, and accountability.

The moose hide pin represents commitment.
A commitment to honour, protect, and respect women, children, and all people.
Small symbol. Powerful promise.

05/09/2026

Three lives stolen. Three families forever changed.

The femicide in Brockville is not an isolated tragedy - it is part of a continuing pattern of gender-based violence happening across Canada. Behind every headline are women whose lives mattered, people who loved them, and communities left grieving.

We cannot continue to treat these deaths as private tragedies or isolated incidents. Femicide is rooted in power, control, misogyny, and silence. Naming it matters.

Today, we hold space for the victims, their loved ones, and everyone carrying the weight of this loss. We grieve. We rage. And we continue to call for accountability, prevention, and action to end violence against women.

No more minimizing. No more looking away. No more silence.

05/05/2026

Today marks the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S+) — also known as Red Dress Day.

Red dresses stand as powerful symbols of the Indigenous women, girls, Trans, and Two-Spirit people who are missing or have been taken.

Wearing red today in remembrance. Honour their lives. Stand in solidarity with communities calling for justice, accountability, and real change.