Media Advisory - Purple Light Nights® Lighting Ceremony Celebrates 5th Year #PGSO

(Recognizing Fearless Leadership in the Fight Against Domestic Violence)


Upper Marlboro, MD… The Prince George’s County Office of the Sheriff will celebrate the 5th Anniversary of the Purple Light Nights® (PLN) lighting ceremony on October 1, 2018 – the ceremony that has come to be known as the kickoff event that begins Domestic Violence Awareness Month. “This fifth anniversary of the lighting ceremony will be a celebration of what our county can accomplish when we work together,” said Sheriff High. Sheriff High said the ceremony will recognize partners across sectors for their partnership, support and fearless leadership in raising awareness against domestic violence.


The “Purple Light Nights®” lighting ceremony continues the work of the Sheriff’s Domestic Violence Intervention Division (DVID), working with County Administration, county, and corporate/private professional partners to raise awareness, share information, highlight the range of resources available in the county, and serve victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. “Awareness is how citizens know the signs of abuse, know that there is help, and know where to get it. It’s impossible to imagine the end of domestic violence without the support and involvement of the community,” said High.


As in past years, during the lighting ceremony Sheriff’s Office personnel will again distribute purple light bulbs and ask that they shine them every night during Domestic Violence Awareness Month to signify the county’s unity in the fight against domestic violence.


WHAT/WHEN: Purple Light Nights® Lighting Ceremony October 1, 2018 6:30 p.m. – 8:00p.m.


WHO: Office of the Sheriff – Sheriff Melvin C. High County Executive Rushern Baker III – (A Walk Through Five (5) Years of Progress The “Purple Light-Bulb” Awards)


WHERE: County Administration Building, 14741 Governor Oden Bowie Dr., Upper Marlboro, MD 20772


Guests are invited to pick up lightbulbs, a fifth anniversary memento, take keepsake photos in the “Purple Light Nights®” picture frame between 6:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. The program will start promptly at 7:05 and conclude with the lighting ceremony countdown promptly at 8:00.

The media are invited to attend. For more information contact the Communications and Public Affairs Division at 301-780-7354. ###