This month, as you drive home, enjoy the fall weather, or walk to your favorite restaurant, you might notice purple silhouettes standing throughout Blue Springs. These wooden silhouettes are not just a seasonal display, they are a community-wide effort to bring domestic violence out of the shadows for National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
The Blue Springs Police Department and Hope House of Kansas City have teamed up to spark crucial conversations. Together, they are launching a citywide awareness campaign centered around these silhouettes, turning a walk through town into an opportunity to learn, reflect, and take action.
"Each silhouette represents stories of domestic violence victims," explains Detective Jacoba Jacobsen. "Some honor both those who lost their lives and those who survived. We want these figures to start conversations across Blue Springs, educate our community, and show victims that they are not alone."
Students in the Wood Shop class at Blue Springs South High School cut out the silhouettes, which were then brought to life through the Chamber of Commerce Leadership class as part of a community effort to promote safe, healthy relationships.
Domestic violence continues to impact individuals, families and communities. "This campaign is about bringing awareness to domestic violence because it happens in our own community every day," explains Detective Jacobsen. "Our ultimate goal is prevention."
For Bri Otto with Hope House, starting these discussions is a critical step. "Open conversations are the single best way for domestic violence prevention to happen. When we break the silence, we create a safer environment for everyone."
As you spot these silhouettes around Blue Springs this month, let them serve as a reminder to speak up and spread awareness. By having conversations and sharing these stories, we can help create a community where survivors feel seen, heard and supported.
How Can You Get Involved?
Look for all 20 unique purple silhouettes placed across Blue Springs landmarks, parks, and city buildings. Here is how you can participate:
- Walk or drive around town to find the silhouettes. Each one features unique artwork, educational facts, and stories honoring victims and survivors.
- Scan the QR code on any silhouette for immediate support, safety resources, or information from Hope House.
- Take a photo with any silhouette and upload your picture at voicesofhope2026.my.canva.site/voh2026 to enter a raffle for prizes donated by local Blue Springs businesses.
- Personal donation of $25 or more made to Hope House during October automatically enters you into an additional prize drawing.