NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) to Hold Awareness Ceremony Featuring OPDV Executive Director Kelli Nicholas Owens and Joe Petito, Father of Domestic Violence Victim Gabby Petito

***Media Advisory for Planning Purposes Only***

Please join us for a very special evening in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month! Purple on the Plaza will bring together victims and survivors, their families, state and local leaders, gender-based violence service providers, first responders, and other community-based organizations to stand in solidarity with those impacted by domestic violence.

WHEN: 

6 p.m. – 7 p.m. on Monday, October 6: Ceremony honoring victims and survivors of domestic violence in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

WHERE:

Empire State Plaza, North Reflecting Pool (State Street/Capitol Building Side)

Albany, NY 12210

WHY:

Observed every October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an opportunity to start the conversation, raise awareness, and support victims and survivors of domestic violence.

Survivors and public safety are top priorities for Governor Kathy Hochul, who has made record investments to support survivors, including improved policies and new initiatives to prevent and combat gender-based violence.

Speakers include:

• Kelli Nicholas Owens, OPDV Executive Director
• Joe Petito, father of domestic violence victim Gabby Petito and Vice President of the Gabby Petito Foundation
• Elizabeth De Jesus, survivor and Ms. New York Petite USA 2025
• Lindsey Crusan-Muse, Director of Crime Victim Services at St. Peter’s Health Partners
• Dave Bach, Unity House CEO
• Bea Hanson, OVS Director

Purple on the Plaza will feature musical performances from Albany High School and Mohonasen High School students.

Floating tealights will be placed in the reflecting pool in remembrance of victims and survivors of domestic violence in New York State.

Interviews with Kelli Nicholas Owens and Joe Petito will be available before the ceremony.

Members of the media are asked to reach out to Maeve St.Onge (maeve.stonge@opdv.ny.gov or (845) 264-2847 – text or cell) with any special requests.