New York State landmarks lit up purple on the night of October 6 to mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Governor Kathy Hochul issued a proclamation recognising October and directed the lightings in honour of those affected by domestic violence.

Landmarks glowing purple include One World Trade Center, the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, the Kosciuszko Bridge, Empire State Plaza, the State Fairgrounds and Grand Central Terminal’s Pershing Square Viaduct, among others.

The state also held its first-ever Purple on the Plaza ceremony and vigil in Albany on October 6, with speeches, music and community groups.

Hochul pointed to record investments in the FY26 budget: nearly $13 million for the state’s 52 rape crisis centres, $3.8 million raising funeral-expense support for homicide victims, and $3.3 million for forensic exam services. The month also includes a Digital Threats, Real Harm youth summit on October 15 and 16, the Clothesline Project exhibit of survivor-made shirts at the Empire State Plaza Concourse, and Purple Thursday on October 16, when New Yorkers are encouraged to wear purple.

The state’s domestic and sexual violence hotline runs 24/7 at 800-942-6906.