The University of Michigan Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS), in partnership with the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office and the Ann Arbor Police Department, hosted the 8th Annual Purple Run on Saturday, October 22, 2022, on North Campus. The number of participants was a record 313, with over $17,000 raised for SafeHouse Center.
As part of the event, leadership representing the hosts and a special supporter had an opportunity to address the runners before the race:
“The U-M police department is committed to supporting survivors of domestic violence.” said Chief Robert Neumann of DPSS, “The Special Victims Unit [SVU] was created in 2014 and consists of dedicated officers trained to provide a survivor-centered approach and a trauma-informed response. The SVU ensures survivors are treated with compassion and respect.”
Acting Deputy Chief Patrick McGuire of the Ann Arbor Police Department shared, “The reason we are running in uniform is to let survivors know that we see you, we hear you, and we are prepared to go the distance with you.”
“Working with our law enforcement partners, we are committed to holding abusers accountable for their actions, and to supporting survivors. SafeHouse plays a crucial role in helping survivors in our community,” remarked Washtenaw County Prosecuting Attorney Eli Savit.
“I want to tell you about law enforcement today. They know it’s real. They come when they’re needed; they [domestic violence calls] are the most dangerous cases they answer. Let us thank law enforcement for how they keep families safe. They take it seriously,” proclaimed Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. “SafeHouse is a safe house, a safe place, a place to help people find the comfort, the warmth, and support they need. We must make sure that we always have that place in Washtenaw County.”
Thank you to all the event sponsors, volunteers, and participants in their efforts to help run domestic violence out of town!
The Purple Run will be back again in October 2023. We hope you will join us!