Storefronts and homes across Berryville, Eureka Springs, Green Forest, and Holiday Island are turning purple to keep the county’s only 24/7 crisis line answered.
CARROLL COUNTY, AR, September 29, 2026 — This October, The Purple Flower, Carroll County’s resource and support center for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, is inviting the county to go purple. Starting this week, storefronts, homes, and community centers across the county will begin displaying purple signs, ribbons, lights, and decor as part of “Paint Our Towns Purple” for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In its first year, the event includes limited-time purple-themed products and promotions from participating businesses, free signs for residents and shops, and a countywide contest recognizing the most inspiring and vibrant displays.
“When a survivor drives down Main Street in Berryville or through Eureka Springs and sees storefront after storefront painted in purple, it sends an undeniable message: You are not alone, and your community stands with you,” said Shiloh Grace, Executive Director of The Purple Flower. “Paint Our Towns Purple is about turning that visible solidarity directly into lifesaving operational support. Every sign displayed and every dollar donated ensures that when someone calls our crisis line in the middle of the night, a trained local Advocate is here to answer.”
The month-long visual movement kicks off The Purple Flower’s “Seeds of Hope” fall campaign. The campaign aims to raise $56,700, or roughly $155 per day, to keep the county’s only 24/7 crisis line for domestic violence and sexual assault staffed by trained Advocates for another year.
More than 40% of Arkansas women and nearly 35% of Arkansas men experience intimate partner violence in their lifetimes, according to the Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Yet since last year’s federal grant cuts, several similar agencies in the state have reduced staff, ceased services, or closed entirely. The Purple Flower has stayed open by relying heavily on local support. Since October 2025 alone, its Advocates have provided over 1,500 lifeline services to more than 350 families, including 120 children, across Carroll County.
The Purple Flower was founded in 2014 following the murder of Laura Aceves, a young Carroll County mother killed by her abuser when no local victim services existed. Today, the organization provides 24/7 crisis response, emergency safe lodging, medical accompaniment, court advocacy, and prevention programs like the local Safe Bar initiative. Safe Bar has distributed more than 1,000 drink-spike test cards and provided training resources to venues throughout Carroll County.
“We are still here because this community refused to let these services disappear,” said Grace. “Every day, and often late at night, our Advocates answer calls from people who need safety, options, and someone beside them. This campaign is about making sure that lifeline is still there when the next person reaches for it.”
That community support is exactly what Paint Our Towns Purple is meant to show. Throughout October, residents, businesses, and organizations are invited to turn their homes, yards, offices, storefronts, and community spaces purple. To enter the decorating contest, participants can share a photo of their display tagged @ThePurpleFlowerOfCC and #POTP. Winners will be chosen in each participating community, along with countywide “Best in Show” honors, and announced at the Seeds of Hope Harvest Gala on Nov. 14, with prizes donated by local artisans and businesses.
How Residents and Local Businesses Can Participate:
- Display Signs and Spread Hope: Pick up a free sign, add your own decorations, and enter the community decorating contest.
- Shop and Dine for a Cause: Support participating businesses offering purple products, events, and promotions benefiting The Purple Flower.
- Join the Circle of Hope: Make an ongoing commitment of $5 per month or more to keep local crisis services available and receive perks.
- Attend Upcoming Events: Boys in the Band, Nov. 6–8, and the annual Seeds of Hope Harvest Gala, Nov. 14.
A list of Purple Pickup Spots and participating businesses, along with information on the Circle of Hope, event tickets, volunteering, and sponsorship, is available at ThePurpleFlower.org. Campaign questions can be directed to the committee by text at 479-310-6963.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault, The Purple Flower’s confidential 24/7 crisis line is available at 479-981-1676.
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About The Purple Flower
The Purple Flower provides support, advocacy, resources, education, and empowerment to break cycles of violence and heal trauma for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking in Carroll County, AR. Operating without a dedicated emergency shelter facility in the county, the organization provides mobile advocacy, a 24/7 crisis line, safety planning, crisis intervention, emergency safe lodging, transportation, medical accompaniment, law enforcement coordination, court advocacy, and emotional support. Since October 2025, they have provided over 1,500 lifeline services to over 350 families despite the loss of federal grant funding.
Notes to Editors:
Arkansas intimate partner violence data: Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence, domesticpeace.com/resources/data-statistics
Media Contact
The Purple Flower Resource and Support Center
PO Box 265 / 109 W. Church Ave., Berryville, AR 72616
media@thepurpleflower.org
(479) 310-6963
ThePurpleFlower.org
https://www.facebook.com/thepurpleflowerofcc
