Mayor Annise Parker has proclaimed October 25 as “Wear Purple Day” in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

“I will join the Houston Area Women’s Center in its Wear Purple Day this Friday and encourage all Houstonians to wear purple with me,” said Mayor Parker. “Many victims of domestic violence remain silent because they are embarrassed to come forward. Please help bring awareness to this issue because there are more victims than we are able to count.”

The Houston Area Women’s Center has provided nearly 6,000 purple wrist bands for city employees to wear until the end of October. The bracelets are meant to be conversation starters. Employees are encouraged to post photos on Facebook and Twitter of themselves wearing them and to talk about why they’re wearing them with friends and neighbors. In addition, Houston City Hall will be lit purple through the weekend.

The Houston Police Department and non-profit organizations throughout the community offer preventative information and resources to help victims of domestic violence. According to the Houston Area Women’s Center, 74 percent of Texans are affected by domestic violence in some way.