Fitness enthusiasts will raise their heart rates today to raise awareness of domestic violence by participating New York State’s second-ever Zumba for Domestic Violence Awareness event.

Sponsored by the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, the event is part of the agency’s eighth annual statewide campaign to “Shine the Light on Domestic Violence.”

Today’s Zumba Fitness event features area favorite instructors Holly Rose and Melissa Mace, who lead state employees, friends, and spontaneous passersby in an energetic routine with inspirational tunes. Those who prefer to lend their support from the sidelines are invited to have their pinkie fingers painted purple.

The goal of the “Shine the Light” campaign is to encourage organizations and individuals at the local level to turn something purple – the color of domestic violence awareness – in their community. OPDV has been promoting Domestic Violence Awareness Month since the start of October, by featuring Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s proclamation on its webpage and social media. Activities earlier this week featured a lobby display in the Alfred E Smith Building with purple ribbons and wristband giveaways, a blood drive, and the promotion of Wear Purple Day. The top of the Smith Building will be illuminated purple at night this whole week.

Also on display is The Clothesline Project, a visual reminder of violence against women. The display features a clothesline hung with shirts, each decorated to represent a particular person’s experience.

This is the eighth year of the statewide “Shine the Light on Domestic Violence” campaign, with such landmarks as Niagara Falls, the Empire State Building, and the SUNY Plaza here in Albany illuminated purple during October. Groups of public and private employees throughout the state wear purple, take photos and send them to opdvpurple@opdv.ny.gov to be added to OPDV’s photo gallery. OPDV provides online resources to support local efforts, including brochures, posters and suggestions of creative ways to “go purple.”

OPDV’s promotional efforts include one or more of the hashtags #ShineTheLight, #NYSpurple, #DontDoNothing, #ICanDoSomething and#DVAM.

Victims of domestic violence or sexual assault are encouraged to call the 24 hour statewide hotline at 1-800-942-6906.