The lanterns above Santa Monica Boulevard will be lit in purple in observance of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. (photo by John Viscott/courtesy of the city of West Hollywood)

In recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, the lanterns above Santa Monica Boulevard between Robertson Boulevard and Hancock Avenue in West Hollywood will be illuminated in purple through Oct. 27.

The West Hollywood City Council also presented a proclamation on Oct. 19 to Renee Sotile of Traipsing Thru Films and Mary Jo Godges, producers of the music video “I Remember Nicole.” Commemorating the memory of Nicole Brown Simpson, the video seeks to increase awareness of domestic violence issues.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, more than 10 million adults in the United States experience domestic violence annually. On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States, according to the coalition. Experts predict that the COVID-19 pandemic stay at home orders will likely cause an increase in the numbers for 2020.

Domestic violence can take many forms. In addition to physical abuse, it can include sexual abuse, verbal abuse, emotional abuse, intimidation, controlling behaviors, isolating behaviors and economic abuse. 

Resources for victims are available by calling the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence hotline at (800)799-SAFE, or visit thehotline.org. Help is also available by calling the Los Angeles County Domestic Violence hotline at (800)978-3600. The Los Angeles LGBT Center offers domestic violence/partner abuse counseling services by calling (323)993-7649. The Jewish Family Service’s Family Violence Program provides confidential 24-hour crisis hotlines for victims of abuse by calling (310)858-9344.

For information, visit weho.org.