Cambridge Police Once Again Goes Purple & Pink Throughout October to Bring Awareness to Important Causes

The Cambridge Police Department is leading and participating in a number of initiatives throughout October as part of Domestic Violence and Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month
As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Cambridge Police Department Domestic Violence Unit has introduced a new brochure (which is also available in print form upon request) focused on understanding when conflict becomes abuse and what support options are available.

CPD will once again be participating in the City of Cambridge’s candlelight vigil on Wednesday, October 19 at 5 p.m. on the steps of City Hall. The annual vigil will honor the Massachusetts women, men, and children who have tragically lost their lives to domestic violence since last October. On Thursday, October 20, non-sworn employees of the Cambridge Police, Fire, and Emergency Communications will be encouraged to wear purple on Purple Thursday to honor victims and supports survivors of domestic violence. Photos will be posted on Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #PurpleThursday. All members of the public are encouraged to also participate in this simple, yet meaningful way to raise awareness about domestic violence. 

Aside from these events, Cambridge Public Safety is once again observing Domestic Violence Month by displaying purple in a variety of ways. Purple ribbon pins have been made available for officers and staff to wear throughout the month. Furthermore, a purple ribbon flag is displayed on the Robert W. Healy Public Safety building, while the lights on the outside of the building are purple throughout the month of October.

CPD Associations Join Fight Against Cancer
Led by the Cambridge Police Patrol Officers Association (CPPOA) and Cambridge Police Superior Officers Association (CPSOA), the Cambridge Police Department is once again proudly participating in the Pink Patch Project, a nationwide cancer awareness and fundraising campaign. Members of the CPPOA and CPSOA are selling novelty pink Cambridge Police patches and stickers for $12 and $7 each, respectively. All proceeds from the sale of these items will benefit the non-profit organization, Cops for Kids with Cancer, and help fund cancer treatment and research.

All costs associated with producing patches were made possible by generous financial donations from CPPOA, CPSOA, and their respective members.

Patches and stickers are sold online at cppoa1969.square.site. To read more about the Pink Patch Project, please visit https://pinkpatchproject.com.

“Domestic violence and breast cancer awareness are two causes that are incredibly important to so many people within and outside the Cambridge Police Department,” said Commissioner Christine Elow. “I am proud to support the leadership, participation, and commitment of our officers and staff to these causes. We look forward to continuing to work closely with our many community partners and helping those who have been impacted.”