Thank you for your interest in the International Purple Ribbon Project. We have been gratified and inspired since our beginnings in 1994 by the support shown us around the world. Our long-term goal is to bring an end to all interpersonal violence. We understand that a social problem of this magnitude will require many steps to eliminate. We can only do this one step at a time. That process begins with people like you, countless other IPRP supporters, and over one hundred and thirty affiliated groups and organizations worldwide. The IPRP is known to be in over thirty-five countries and in every state in the USA. Our information has been translated into at least forty languages. None of us can hope to reduce or stop interpersonal violence single handedly, but each one of us can change our own behavior, be a responsible role model, set an example, and promote violence awareness and respect. A common desire by a group of likeminded people to end interpersonal violence and abuse spurred this campaign, which began early in 1994, and it grows in strength daily. If we persevere, change will occur over time. Meanwhile your own efforts among friends and family and in your community will bring you a sense of satisfaction and the knowledge that you are part of the first step towards a solution.
You are welcome to utilize our flyer to promote awareness where you find it is needed. The flyer can be translated into any language with our permission. The Flyers can also be altered to include local resources for victims and supporters. However, the spirit must remain consistent with the IPRP mission: we are caring, concerned people who are working to end interpersonal violence. This refers to rape, physical and sexual assault, school violence, molestation, the sexual exploitation of children, and all physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and neglect of children, spouses, partners, and the elderly. In nearly all of these situations, the victim knows the perpetrator, and they are often related. The IPRP mission does not include any form of war or political violence. All forms of interpersonal abuse are violent in nature (even sexual or verbal abuse) regardless of whether or not the victim reports experiencing any physical pain or has visible wounds. This is so because the perpetrator instills fear and psychological trauma in the victim. All types of abuse result in significant damage to the victim.
Violence in our communities is often behavior spilling over from violence in our homes. This is fuelled by public tolerance and apathy towards violence and abuse. Severe interpersonal violence among family members is frequently known but kept as a guarded secret. Those who are abused often become perpetrators of abuse. Many victims become substance abusers and suffer from behavioral and emotional problems resulting from their trauma. A personal history of childhood abuse has been linked to high rates of physical and mental illness, suicide, substance abuse and addictions, behavioral problems, prostitution, promiscuity, and criminal behaviors. These long-term effects of abuse harm both the victim and everyone around them to some degree, and result in a significant expense to society. It is far more costly to be reactive to violence and abuse than it is to be proactive in terms of prevention, education, early intervention, and treatment. We fuel these problems by tolerating violence among our friends, families, neighbors, and in our communities. We must accept responsibility for our attitudes and act appropriately. In order to stop the violence, we must first see to it that every man, woman, and child is aware of the problem. We must ask them to consciously stop tolerating, enabling, or engaging in this self-destructive epidemic among humans. Stopping violence is everyone’s responsibility.
Violence in the media plays a significant role in enhancing violent behavior, serving as a negative template for tolerance which children are now exposed to essentially from birth. We have all become desensitized in varying degrees to the real life results of violence beyond the TV screen.
If you can start a purple ribbon campaign in your community, school, place of worship, or business organization, everyone will benefit. If you wish to purchase purple ribbon but can’t find it locally, see the suggested ordering information below. Even if you just wear a purple ribbon or tie one to your car, that gesture is a welcome addition to our campaign. We appreciate even the most personal and small efforts on your behalf to help the IPRP grow. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,
Mary Durant
Co-Founder and Spokesperson
The International Purple Ribbon Project

PURPLE RIBBON ORDERING INFORMATION:
“Artistic Ribbon”
New York City, New York, USA,
1-212-255-4224 (USA)
pattern #1016 (lapel size)
color #470 (regal purple)