On Friday, November 25th, passers-by and pedestrians were witness to Main Street, particularly the section around Coleman’s parking lot, transform into a purple world. 
The Purple Ribbon Campaign is a province-wide event that creates public awareness with hopes of positive change in societal attitudes and behaviours regarding male violence against women in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Bay St. George Coalition to End Violence could be seen, with the assistance of the Town of Stephenville, decorating the two light poles in front of Coleman’s in purple. Following, volunteers made their way inside to hand out purple ribbon magnets and lapel pins to all customers and staff.

Everyone is encouraged to show their support by placing the magnet on their car, and wearing a ribbon to help spread the message that violence of any kind is unacceptable.

Following the purple ribbon decorating, many attended the Town of Stephenville office, where Mayor Tom O’Brien signed the proclamation, declaring the Purple Ribbon Campaign and 16 Days of Activism launched.

The Purple Ribbon campaign begins on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, runs through the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women on December 6, and ends on December 10, International Human Rights Day, encompassing the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence.