DASO’s first Purple Ribbon Campaign raising awareness on IPV and gender-based violence

Each donation towards DASO’s Purple Ribbon campaign, minimum of $5, will bring a new ribbon to the fence to raise awareness on IPV and gender-based violence. (Samantha Ton photo)

Emily Stewart, Echo Correspondent

Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (DASO) launched its Purple Ribbon campaign in March to show solidarity with survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) and gender-based violence.

The organization’s first-ever Purple Ribbon campaign will run throughout March in honour of International Women’s Day, which was held on March 8. All proceeds from purple ribbon purchases and donations to the campaign will support DASO programming and services.

Ribbons can be purchased for a minimum of $5 at Whisk and Roll Bakery, Mostly Roses Floral Boutique, Roberts and Co. Ladies Wear, and The Happy Hippo Co. In addition to donating via e-transfer, cash or cheque, sponsorships, and online through Canada Helps Online.

Each $5 donation will add a purple ribbon to the fence outside of DASO’s office, with larger ribbons for larger donations. A name can be printed on one of the ribbons with a donation of $500 or more. Donations can also be made in memory of or to support someone.

“We developed this campaign to give our community a tangible way to stand in solidarity with survivors. The purple ribbon represents hope, courage, and collective responsibility,” said Samantha Ton, DASO’s administrative and communications manager.

“When businesses and residents wear or display it, they are publicly affirming that violence is not acceptable and that survivors are supported.”

The Purple Ribbon campaign comes during a time when Canada faces a gender-based violence crisis. The Government of Canada declared gender-based violence as an epidemic in 2025, reporting a 14 per cent increase in reported IPV cases from 2018 to 2024.

As of 2024, 78 per cent of those who faced IPV were women and girls, and 42 per cent of the women were killed by their intimate partner or spouse – a rise from 32 per cent in 2023. Indigenous women and girls also face a much higher lifetime experience of violence.

In Oxford County and other rural communities, IPV survivors face challenges such as limited transportation and resources, geographical isolation from services, neighbours, and informal supports, and stigma of IPV.

“Raising awareness through the Purple Ribbon Campaign brings visibility to an issue that is often hidden,” Ton said. “It challenges stigma, encourages conversations, and reminds survivors that support is available and that they are believed. Visibility matters because silence allows violence to persist.”

The Purple Ribbon campaign also helps DASO towards its annual $250,000 fundraising goal to cover the costs of running its services year after year.

“It’s important to note that while government funding helps cover a portion of staffing expenses, it does not fully sustain our operations,” explained Ton.

“Every other aspect of our work — including our emergency shelter, outreach programs, advocacy services, prevention initiatives, building maintenance, and essential supports — relies heavily on donations and fundraising.”

Along with wearing the purple ribbon, Ton said the community can learn more about prevention and action on IPV through the Domestic Abuse Resource Team (DART)’s training and education programs, as well as learn about the early warning signs, respond by demonstrating compassion and belief to those affected, challenge harmful attitudes that normalize violence, and support local services by either donating, volunteering, fundraising, or advocating.

“Collective effort is essential to creating lasting change.”

Cheques can be made payable to DASO with the note “ribbon.” E-transfers with “ribbon” in the note can be sent to donate@daso.ca. Online donations can be made by visiting https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/143947.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities, send an email to info@daso.ca.