What It Means If You See A Home With A Purple Porch Light

One of the best things about having a home is that you can tailor it to your own taste, inside and out. When you decorate the exterior, you not only curate it to your desire but you also send a message to neighbors or anyone that walks outside your home. Porch lights are one way to do both. There are meanings for different colored porch lights, and purple lights are often a way to show support for victims of domestic violence.

Beyond being decorative, purple porch lights support those who are being abused. They signal to domestic abuse survivors that their journeys are recognized and validated. This is important because, although domestic violence is often a silent abuse that victims tend to cover up out of fear or shame, it is prevalent. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, in the United States, almost 20 people are physically abused by their domestic partner each minute.

In an attempt to bring awareness to this ongoing issue, October was designated Domestic Abuse Awareness Month. In 2006, the Purple Light Nights campaign began. Since then people all over the U.S. and in some parts of Canada have shone purple lights on their homes and businesses in a show of support.

If you would like to adorn your porch in purple lights, there are a few things to know. First of all, you should know that although your end goal is to produce a purple light that is officially used by the campaign, you should look to purchase black light bulbs. Pure black lights are ultraviolet lights so they cannot be seen by the human eye, as per Science Notes. However, they can emit short wavelength light which is visible, although dim. As a result, the black lights you purchase will give off a dull purple or sometimes blue light.

In addition, if you want to give off a purple light that is visible to all passersby, you will need bulbs that are bright enough to be seen. The Purple Light Nights Campaign advises homeowners who want to adorn their porch to purchase at least a 65 or 70-watt black light bulb. It's important to keep in mind that these bulbs alone won't provide enough light on their own to keep your porch lit enough to light up your walkway. For some people, that's not a problem. However, if you want to keep your walkway sufficiently lit, which also helps boost curb appeal, you can place a purple light in your window to get your message across.

Though you can purchase purple porch lights anywhere, it sometimes helps to reach out to professional lighting businesses, especially those that support the Purple Lights Initiative. Not only will they be skilled in helping you figure out which lights are best for your front porch but they can also advise you about how many you may need.

You want to make sure you pick a bulb that displays the hue of purple that the campaign strives for. The Purple Lights Initiative advises that two companies sell bulbs that are the shade they are most looking for, Creative Displays and DiJulio Displays, Inc. Creative Displays may also offer a discount if you let them know you are seeking purple lights for Purple Night Lights.

Another option is to buy purple bulbs. However, you want to ensure they are the campaign's deep purple color. Purple Light Nights warns against using lights that may appear too light and be mistaken for pink, which is the color used for breast cancer awareness.

If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic abuse, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233. You can also find more information, resources, and support at their website.