October is Domestic Violence (DV) Awareness Month, and Purple Light Nights® is coming to downtown Renton in support of survivors, to give a voice to victims, and in solidarity to create awareness and change for more peaceful communities. In addition to raising awareness and educating the public, events will support the work of DAWN, a 501c3 nonprofit founded in 1980 and the largest agency in South King County assisting community members facing DV with support, shelter, and advocacy.
Members of the Seahawks Blue Thunder Drum Line and Seahawks Dancers are stepping up at on October 6, 2025 to participate in A Walk in Her Steps Solidarity Walk, presented by DAWN (Domestic Abuse Women’s Network) with support from Renton Downtown Partnership, Renton Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Renton. Check-in for the event starts at 4:30 PM at the Clock Tower at S. 3 St. and Burnett Ave S..At 5:30 PM walkers will be welcomed by DAWN Executive Director, Gina Finley, with the walk immediately following through Renton downtown on a route marked by purple Survivor Silhouettes, signage and purple lights, thanks to the support of local businesses. QR codes on the silhouettes, which will be hosted through the month of October by Renton businesses, lead to true stories from the journeys of real DV survivors (names changed to protect anonymity). The walk will end at Renton City Hall where Smoking Monkey Pizza will sponsor refreshments and the City of Renton and DAWN will offer nonalcoholic beverages to walkers at a City Council Conference Room, followed by a City of Renton Mayoral Proclamation for DV Awareness Month at the City Council Meeting which begins at 7 PM.
“The Seahawks are proud to support DAWN and the Purple Light Nights® events to come together as a community and raise awareness through the power of our collective voices,” said Mario Bailey, Seahawks Vice President of Community Engagement and Legends.
“All of us at DAWN mourn with the entire Renton community the loss of three neighbors who recently lost their lives in a domestic violence incident,” said Gina Finley, Executive Director of DAWN. “We come together during Purple Light Nights® events to increase awareness and help communities learn to reduce the frequency of such tragedies.”
Purple Light Nights® continues on October 12 at Art Against Silence – A Survivor Art Opening at Good Vibes Barbershop and Community Space in Renton.
Concerned community members can help by showing up for the walk and art show, making a gift, hosting a fundraiser or social media challenge to benefit DAWN, and by following “In Her Shoes®,” an online interactive story of Sierra, a DV survivor, which will be released in episodes throughout the month of October via DAWN’s website, www.dawnrising.org. In Her Shoes® was created by WSCADV (Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence).
The community will celebrate on November 6 from 10 - 11:30 AM. A Purple Light Nights® Wrap Party and Prize Drawing Event will be held at DAWN’s HQ Office at 220 W. Gowe, Kent., including drawing the name of one lucky website visitor who engaged with “In Her Shoes®,” to win a 7-night stay at The Cliffs in Princeville Resort in Kauai, plus two round trip airline tickets sponsored by Alaska Airlines. Special thanks also to Comcast, Puget Sound Energy, Seattle Seahawks, Lockton Companies, and Kent Station Shopping Center for sponsoring DAWN’s Purple Light Nights® events.
On November 14 hockey fans are also invited to join DAWN friends at the Seattle Thunderbirds game. Tickets are on sale for $32 (normally $41.95), and $10 of each ticket benefits DAWN. Info about events, hosting a fundraiser and on “In Her Shoes®” is at www.dawnrising.org.
Registration links for events can be found at https://dawnrising.org/events/....
One in four women and one in seven men have experienced severe physical violence by an intimate partner. Since 1980, DAWN stands with all survivors of domestic abuse, helps them rebuild their lives, and strives to make our communities safer by preventing and addressing violence through education and advocacy.
Purple Light Nights® is a global DV awareness campaign founded in 2007 by Victoria Throm, a co-founder of Covington Domestic Violence Task Force (CDVTF), supported by Covington Rotary Club. www.purplelightnights.org
In Her Shoes® was created by WSCADV (Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence).