Although the exact history of the purple ribbon is difficult to pinpoint, across the country, families of victims have adopted the purple ribbon to remember and honor their loved ones who have lost their lives at the hands of a person they once loved and trusted. Shelters and local battered women’s programs use the purple ribbon to raise awareness about the crime of domestic violence in their communities. In addition to the demonstration of support for victims and advocates, the display of purple ribbons throughout a community conveys a powerful message that there is no place for domestic violence in the homes, neighborhoods, workplaces or schools of its citizens.