As Family Violence Prevention Month arrives, the Lakeland region is preparing to mark the occasion with a series of community-focused efforts led by Stepping Stones Crisis Society and its partners.
Over the coming weeks the organization will roll out several activities designed to spark open discussion, confront common myths, and reassure those who have experienced abuse that support surrounds them.
“Preventing family violence takes more than responding when someone reaches out for help,” said Kim Reed, CEO of Stepping Stones Crisis Society. “It means building awareness, challenging the attitudes and behaviours that allow violence to continue. At Stepping Stones Crisis Society, prevention is an important part of our work, and we know that lasting change happens when the entire community is part of the conversation.”
A fresh campaign for 2026, called the Purple Porch Project: Light Up the Lakeland, encourages residents to add purple lights, decorations or other purple accents to their homes and properties throughout the month. Purple serves as a widely recognized colour of awareness and solidarity in the movement against family violence.
April Simard, Events and Community Engagement Manager at Stepping Stones, explains the goal.
“We wanted to introduce something that gives our community a simple, visible way to stand together against family violence. The Purple Porch Project is about more than putting a purple light in a window; it is about showing survivors that their community sees them, supports them, and stands beside them. We want to see Cold Lake and the surrounding Lakeland light up in purple this November, sending a message that family violence is not something we can ignore. Every light is a reminder that we all have a role to play.”
People are asked to post pictures of their purple displays on social media with the hashtag #PurplePorchProject to amplify the message.
On November 1, a candlelit vigil will take place at the society’s Cold Lake location (5305 47 Street). The evening offers space for survivors, their supporters and the wider public to come together, reflect, and share poetry, artwork or written pieces if they wish. All are welcome, and light refreshments will be available.
