PREVENTION

At The Purple Door, prevention is central to our mission to end domestic and sexual violence in the Coastal Bend. Our approach focuses on stopping violence before it happens through education, awareness, and community collaboration. We aim to empower survivors, build active allies, and challenge harmful cultural norms to create lasting change.

We believe true prevention starts with accountability—having honest conversations about abusive beliefs and attitudes before violence occurs. Through Primary Prevention and Community Education, our team engages schools, organizations, and the broader community to promote healthy relationships, consent, and a culture of respect.

By working together, we can create a future free from power-based violence. Join us in building a safer, healthier community for all.

THE PURPLE ALLY

The Purple Ally designation is earned through active participation and collaboration with community partners. Rather than a one-size-fits-all model, training and presentations are customized to meet the unique needs of each organization. For example, if an agency primarily works with teens, the training may focus on teen dating violence and how to effectively support young survivors.

To achieve Purple Ally status, participants must complete at least four hours of training, which includes three core presentations—Domestic Violence Overview, Sexual Assault 101, and Agency Overview & Resources—plus one elective of their choice. This flexible, needs-based model ensures that every Purple Ally receives practical, relevant tools to foster real change in their own communities.

All training is FREE and provided at your location! The first step to becoming a Purple Ally is the desire to take action and end domestic and sexual violence in our community.

To request a speaker, click here.

ANYONE and everyone can become a Purple Ally

  • Corporate Level
  • Small Business
  • Social Service Agencies
  • Counselors and Mental Health Professionals
  • Government Agencies
  • Education Administrations, Staff, and Students
  • Faith-Based Organizations
  • Community Leaders

PRESENTATIONS

  • Domestic Violence Overview (45 min- 1 hr.) (Required for Purple Ally): Going over the basics of domestic violence and reviewing the power and control wheel.
  • Intersections of DV and Mental Health (1 hr.) (Elective): Critical issues such as experiencing or perpetrating abuse can significantly impact a person’s mental well-being. The effects of domestic violence often lead to long-term psychological consequences, and mental health conditions can either contribute to or result from abusive situations.
  • Intersections of DV and Substance Abuse (1 hr.) (Elective): Going over complex and troubling issues where both problems often reinforce each other. Creating a cycle that is difficult to break.
  • DV and the Effects on Children (1 hr.) (Elective): Going over domestic violence and how it affects the mental health of children, both long-term and short-term.
  • DV in Workplace (1 hr.) (Elective): Talking about how to identify domestic violence among staff, how to provide support, and review policies.
  • In her shoes / their shoes (1.5 hrs.) (Elective): Domestic violence simulation.

  • Sexual Assault 101 (1 hr.) (Required for Purple Ally)
  • Sexual Assault in the Workplace (1 hr.) (Elective): This training explores what sexual harassment in the workplace looks like, including different types of harassment and dynamics. We also cover employee rights and explore what to do if someone is personally experiencing harassment, if they see a coworker experiencing harassment, and what managers can do if their employee is experiencing harassment.

  • Agency Overview/Resources (15- 30 min.) (Required for Purple Ally): A brief history of The Purple Door including a detailed look at all the free and confidential services offered to clients. Presentation also includes information about volunteer opportunities.
  • Elder Abuse (1 hr.) (Elective): Refers to any form of mistreatment or harm inflicted on an older adult, typically someone aged 60 or older, and can take several forms.
  • Safety Planning (1 hr.) (Elective): Reviewing how to assess domestic violence situations and model safety measures for clients, along with resources for measures.
  • Stalking (1 hr.) (Elective): Going over the different types of stalking, statistics of Intimate partner violence, and the intersection of stalking.
  • Post-Separation Abuse (1 hr.) (Elective): Refers to harmful behaviors that continue or emerge after a relationship has ended. It often occurs in situations of domestic abuse and involves a pattern of manipulation.
  • Teen Dating Violence (1 hr.) (Elective): Going over IPV (teen dating violence) and how it affects children/family members/friends, and learning how to communicate and recognize signs.
  • Human Trafficking (1.5 hrs.) (Elective): This training is an in-depth look at Human Trafficking in the U.S. and covers different types of trafficking, prevalence and statistics, patterns and dynamics, and the impact of trafficking. We also discuss the impact of technology on trafficking, as well as current trends and what we can do to help prevent trafficking.