October is Domestic Violence awareness month and Governor Cuomo is encouraging all New Yorkers to participate in the state's annual "Shine the Light on Domestic Violence" campaign.

Governor Cuomo is asking New Yorkers to wear purple on Wednesday, October 16th to show support for the campaign.

"New York State is committed to providing the victims of domestic violence the protections and justice they need, and ensuring that offenders are appropriately penalized for their atrocious actions," Governor Cuomo said. "The designation of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and our Shine the Light campaign seeks to raise awareness of what New Yorkers can do to help combat domestic violence and sends a message in our communities that it will not be tolerated in this state."

The shine the Light on Domestic Violence campaign is organized by the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and promotes the use of the color purple to promote awareness of the issue and the efforts to combat it.

Landmarks and buildings across the state like Niagara Falls, Syracuse University's Hall of Languages and Times Square have used purple lights as part of the campaign. More than 500 entities across the state including municipal governments, courts, non-profit organizations, law enforcement agencies and private businesses have participated in the event since it began in 2008.

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