The Story Behind the Purple Event
Twelve years ago, our founder Karen Gonzalez-Torres was living in a domestic violence shelter with her children. October felt heavy — every message about Domestic Violence Awareness Month seemed to portray survivors only through pain and sadness, as if our stories ended the moment we left abuse.
But Karen knew survivors are more than their pain. She wanted to create something that celebrated the strength, courage, and resilience it takes to leave and rebuild. That vision gave birth to the Purple Event.
What began as a small gathering has now grown into a 12-year tradition of hope and healing. Each year, the Purple Event brings together survivors, families, and community members to:
Share powerful survivor testimonies.
Celebrate healing through art, music, and storytelling.
Remind survivors that leaving isn’t the end — it’s the beginning of a new chapter.
Today, the Purple Event continues to shine a light not only on domestic violence, but on the powerful truth that survivors are strong, resilient, and worthy of celebration.
Why It Matters
Domestic violence impacts millions of individuals and families every year, but awareness is only part of the story. The Purple Event exists to shine a light on both the realities of abuse and the strength of survivors who rebuild their lives with courage and resilience.
Quick Facts
1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner violence in their lifetime.
In Los Angeles County, more than 40,000 DV-related calls are made to law enforcement every year.
Survivors often face financial instability, housing insecurity, and isolation, making community support essential.
Hope & Resilience
The Purple Event is not about sadness alone — it is about hope, healing, and community coming together. We gather each year to honor survivors’ journeys, celebrate their courage, and remind every survivor that leaving abuse is not the end — it is the beginning of a new chapter.
The Purple Event 2025 — A Day of Healing, Hope & Community
The 12th Annual Purple Event brought our community together during Domestic Violence Awareness Month to honor survivors, raise awareness, and celebrate 12 years of healing. Here are some of our favorite moments captured throughout the day.
Recognition & Gratitude
Celebrating our sponsors, volunteers, and team.
The Purple Event: 12 Years of Healing
The 12th Annual Purple Event was a truly beautiful and powerful gathering of healing, hope, and community.
Hosted by Helping Hands Resource Center (HHRC), the event brought together survivors, families, advocates, and community partners to honor resilience and stand united in the mission to end violence and build safer homes.
From the art activities and coffee lounge to the inspiring stories of strength and healing, every moment reflected what the Purple Event was created for — to celebrate transformation, courage, and new beginnings.
We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, volunteers, and attendees whose generosity and support make this work possible. Together, we continue to create spaces for healing and empowerment.
🦋 Together, we create. Together, we rise.
We are grateful
To every sponsor, partner, and community supporter — thank you for standing with us. Your generosity not only makes the Purple Event possible but also strengthens our year-round mission to provide survivors and families with the resources, healing, and hope they deserve.
Sponsors & Partners – 12th Annual Purple Event
We are deeply grateful to the generous sponsors, partners, and in-kind donors who make the 12th Annual Purple Event possible.
Sponsors & Partners – 12th Annual Purple Event
Let people know what your brand is about. This is your opportunity to talk about your team, your purpose, and what you offer.
Sponsors & Partners – 12th Annual Purple Event
Let people know what your brand is about. This is your opportunity to talk about your team, your purpose, and what you offer.
Sponsors & Partners – 12th Annual Purple Event
Each contribution — whether through funding, products, services, or creative collaboration — helps us create a space of hope, healing, and resilience for survivors, families, and our community.
💜 With Gratitude
To every sponsor, partner, and community supporter — thank you for standing with us. Your generosity not only makes the Purple Event possible but also strengthens our year-round mission to provide survivors and families with the resources, healing, and hope they deserve
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