Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that Old Erie County Hall will once again be illuminated in the color purple to “Shine the Light on Domestic Violence” during the month of October. 

In a three-second countdown, DA Flynn “flipped the switch” at Old Erie County Hall, turning the grand building purple, the symbolic color for domestic violence awareness. Joining DA Flynn in taking a stand against domestic violence is Major Edward Kennedy of the New York State Police, Chief Dennis J. Richards of the Buffalo Police Department, Chief Mark F. Pacholec, President of the Erie County Chiefs of Police Association and Tina E. Pilkey, the DA’s Director of Domestic Violence Survivor Services.  

There have been 2,372 domestic violence victims reported by police in Erie County from January to June of this year.  In 2016, there were 5,184 domestic violence victims reported in Erie County. 

“We are on track to serve as many domestic violence victims this year as last year,” says DA Flynn. “The best way to combat this scourge in our society is awareness. Bathing our beautiful courthouse in purple sends a message to victims that they’re not alone, and we are here to help.” 

“I am proud to be part of this ceremony as we in law enforcement, continue to raise the awareness of domestic violence and work together to arrest, and then prosecute, individuals committing these crimes,” says Sheriff Howard. “My office maintains an active Domestic Violence Unit with Deputies, a Detective, and civilian advocates to investigate incidents, comfort victims, and help them connect with counselor and victim services.  I continue to stand up for victims of domestic violence by maintaining a zero-tolerance policy and mandatory arrest for misdemeanors or higher.” 

"The Erie County Chiefs continue to support the efforts of the District Attorney’s Office and all the agencies that assist the victims of domestic violence,” says Chief Pacholec. 

The Erie County District Attorney’s Office’s BE-SAFE domestic violence advocacy program is among the largest in Western New York serving domestic violence survivors. Our program is made up of domestic violence advocates and social workers who can assist victims both in and out of court. Those who need help can call (716) 858-4630.  The 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline for Erie County is (716) 862-HELP (4357). 

DA Flynn also credits the Erie County Department of Public Works under Commissioner William Geary, Buildings and Grounds Deputy Commissioner Daniel Fitzgibbons, Chief Stationary Engineer Joseph Toth, Charles Sickler, Director of Engineering for Highways, Owen Rodgers from the DPW and Stationary Engineers Ronald Robidoux and Arthur Hodges whose efforts helped make the project possible once again this year.   

The “Shine the Light on Domestic Violence” campaign which is taking place in communities all across New York this month is coordinated by the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence.