A snapshot from last year’s Men’s Walk Against Domestic Violence.
This year’s Purple Wave, Walk, and Roll is set for Oct. 19
MAISE B. Tenorio, executive director of the Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, invites community members to join the Purple Wave, Walk, and Roll event this Thursday, Oct. 19 at 4 p.m. at San Vicente Children’s Park.
Tenorio said the event begins with a registration, during which the coalition will pass out Domestic Violence Awareness Month t-shirts while supplies last. She said a children’s face painting and a poster-making contest will also be held.
At 4:30 p.m., there will be a roadside waving, followed, at 5 p.m., by a mile-long walk around San Vicente led by CNMI JROTC cadets.
The Purple Wave, Walk, and Roll will also coincide with the Men’s Walk Against Domestic Violence.
Tenorio said next week, Purple Wave, Walk, and Roll events will also be held on Tinian and Rota. She said the primary goal of the event is to raise awareness in the community on the topic of domestic and sexual violence.
“Victims and survivors of domestic violence are present in every community, and our goal is to connect with and support them, fostering unity, inspiration, and empowerment among the participants,” Tenorio said.
She said the events are held in villages and draw so much attention.
“For many, this event may be their first step into advocacy, and we hope it ignites a passion for positive change,” Tenorio added.
She said grassroots advocates for victims of abuse will be participating in the event as well.
“Among the many impactful stories, one theme that stands out is the dedication of families who come to our events each year. These families aren’t service providers; they’re community members deeply moved by the importance of addressing domestic violence…. Through the awareness and resources gained from events like Purple Wave, Walk, and Roll, these community members have become a support system for survivors or victims,” Tenorio said.
The walk’s thematic color is purple because it was selected as a “symbol of domestic violence awareness,” she added.
“Wearing purple is a simple yet impactful means for individuals to express their support and actively participate in raising awareness about domestic violence,” Tenorio said, encouraging participants to wear the color when they take part in the event.
Participating programs include the Karidat Victim Hotline, the Division of Youth Services, CHCC-Community Guidance programs: Non-Communicable Disease Programs, Healthy Transitions, System of Care, the Office of Adult Probation, the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Fire Emergency Medical Services, the Rotaract Club of Saipan, Kagman High School Ayuyu JROTC Battalion, Saipan Southern High School JROTC Manta Ray Battalion, Marianas High School JROTC Dolphin Battalion, and other advocates, accompanied by their families.
