Color is often used to represent certain causes, and the city of Surprise recently chose purple to raise awareness of domestic violence.

After Surprise Mayor Sharon Wolcott proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month at a recent City Council meeting, staff installed purple lighting displays at City Hall and the public-safety building to illuminate the structures all month long.

Residents are encouraged to wear the color purple or sport a purple ribbon in to raise awareness of domestic violence.

“Help ‘Paint Surprise Purple’ and show your support via social media using the hashtags #PurpleThursday #PaintSurprisePurple,” the city said in a press release.

Victims of domestic violence can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE or visit www.thehotline.org for help, according to the release.

The city of Surprise provides assistance through a mobile advocacy service called Eve’s Place. Surprise provides weekly services including individual appointments and support groups at its city resource center at 12425 W Bell Road, Suite 124 on the AZ TechCelerator campus.