Domestic Abuse Women’s Network (DAWN), a non-profit Kent domestic violence resource organization, will be hosting “Purple Lights Night” for the first time since the COVID pandemic at Kent Station on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, starting at 6:45 p.m.
The event is all about showing community solidarity for victims of domestic violence, informing the public about DAWN’s many support programs for victims and survivors, and promoting domestic violence awareness month in October.
In years past, DAWN has hosted a private gala. But, this year, Executive Director Gina Finley is taking a different, community-oriented approach. By designing the event around wider community participation, the issue of domestic violence will be brought up close and demystified.
On Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025 at 6:45 p.m., Purple Lights Night will be hosted at the Kent Campus Small Business Center in Kent Station, where DAWN and local officials will lead a community walk by DAWN through streets shining with purple lights, hung in remembrance of victims.
“Help us kick off a month-long awareness campaign for domestic violence where Kent Station and the roundabout, numerous businesses will be lit up purple,” organizers said. “This reception is limited to 95 people. Sign up now! After the reception the community is welcome to join us for a solidarity walk In Her Shoes to our office on Gowe at 6:45 p.m.”
DAWN’s goal is to grow the program, especially through intercity outreach. The program has connections with Renton and hopes to extend that reach to Burien, SeaTac, and other South King County communities.
How can Kent & South King County support DAWN’s goal?
With federal and state funding cuts, volunteering is more important than ever in supporting local community-serving organizations. Anyone can volunteer, from individuals to businesses.
Volunteering opportunities include business outreach, shelter help, office needs, donation giving and stocking, and tabling at public events. There are opportunities at next month’s Purple Lights Night, from setting up the community walk to providing refreshments to participants.
Businesses can participate by sponsoring DAWN directly, fundraising throughout October, and promoting community awareness with flyers, hygiene items drives, and putting up silhouettes of people representing domestic violence victims. The silhouette project is part of a larger initiative DAWN is designing to humanize domestic violence victims and share their stories.
“[Volunteering] makes your heart feel good,” said Christine Rose, DAWN’s development director. Contact Christine at development@dawnrising.org or visit dawnrising.org/volunteer for more information.
Keep an eye on DAWN’s events calendar, to be updated with new events throughout October. From putting up flyers to organizing donations to setting up a public event, it’s easy for you, your family, or your business to bring awareness to domestic violence and support DAWN this October.
This event will be held at the Green River College Kent Campus Small Business Center:
