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Purple Casket Campaign exists to increase awareness, provide education, connect individuals and families to resources, and support healing for those impacted by domestic violence. We believe every person deserves safety, dignity, support, and the opportunity to move from crisis to stability.

Violence must stop.

Too many families are suffering behind closed doors, hidden in the back bedrooms of homes where fear lives in silence.

Domestic violence often hides behind a mask — a mask of normalcy that conceals pain, control, and abuse.

It is time to unveil that mask.

We must build the courage to save lives, speak truth, and protect those who feel they have no voice.

We must shout from the rooftops until our communities listen, until our government hears us, and until stronger protections and laws are in place for survivors.

Silence protects abuse.

Courage saves lives.

Purple Casket Campaign stands to bring awareness, education, and change to our communities so that every survivor knows they are not alone.

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Violence must stop.

Too many families are suffering behind closed doors, hidden in the back bedrooms of homes where fear lives in silence.

Domestic violence often hides behind a mask — a mask of normalcy that conceals pain, control, and abuse.

It is time to unveil that mask.

We must build the courage to save lives, speak truth, and protect those who feel they have no voice.

We must shout from the rooftops until our communities listen, until our government hears us, and until stronger protections and laws are in place for survivors.

Silence protects abuse.

Courage saves lives.

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The Purple Casket Campaign recognizes the work of organizations supporting survivors of trafficking and abuse.

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If you or someone you know may be experiencing abuse, help is available.

Call: 1-800-799-SAFE

Text: START to 88788

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Trained advocates are available around the clock to listen, provide support, and connect you with local resources — at no cost to you.

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Use this quick-navigation hub to jump directly to the specific support resources you need.

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24/7 Confidential Support — You don't have to face this alone.

When someone contacts a hotline or support service, they may be asked whether it is safe to talk. A trained advocate can:

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Safety planning is an important step for anyone experiencing abuse or preparing to leave a dangerous situation. Every situation is different, and survivors should make decisions based on what is safest for them and their children.

The Purple Casket Campaign has created two fillable safety plan documents — one for survivors and one for community members, faith leaders, and volunteers. Download, complete privately, and store in a safe place.

Knowing your exits and escape routes before a crisis is one of the most important steps in safety planning. Consider the following:

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Domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence (IPV), is a pattern of abusive behavior used to gain or maintain power and control over a spouse, partner, or loved one. Abuse may be physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, financial, spiritual, or psychological.

The Purple Casket Campaign exists to raise awareness, provide education, and connect individuals and families with resources, support, and pathways to safety, healing, and hope.

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Technology can be used as a tool of control and surveillance.

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Financial abuse is one of the most common yet least recognized forms of domestic violence. It occurs when an individual uses money, employment, or financial resources as a way to control or manipulate another person.

This type of abuse can prevent survivors from leaving unsafe situations by limiting their financial independence and access to essential resources.

Over time, these actions can severely damage a survivor's financial stability and independence.

Even after leaving an abusive relationship, survivors may face significant financial challenges.

Many survivor support programs focus on rebuilding financial independence through:

These programs help survivors move from crisis toward long-term independence and stability.

Even small steps matter. A few dollars, one conversation, or one safe contact can become part of a survival plan.

Communities, employers, and organizations all play a role in helping survivors rebuild their financial security.

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Domestic violence is not limited to one type of person, relationship, or household. It can affect anyone.

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Human trafficking involves the exploitation of individuals through force, fraud, or coercion. Domestic violence and human trafficking sometimes overlap — abusers may use manipulation, financial control, or threats to exploit survivors. Many victims of trafficking begin as victims of domestic violence. Recognizing these warning signs can help save lives.

Some survivors may need specialized services. The following organizations provide culturally specific and accessibility-focused support.

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Human trafficking is the exploitation of a person through force, fraud, or coercion for labor, sex, services, or control. Domestic violence and human trafficking can overlap when an abusive partner controls money, movement, identification, housing, transportation, work, or the survivor's body.

If something feels like ownership, entrapment, or exploitation, it deserves attention and support.

The Purple Casket Campaign provides survivor-centered programs, education, and community outreach to support individuals and families affected by domestic violence.

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Support services may include safety planning, referrals, advocacy, legal resources, counseling, support groups, crisis intervention, and community-based services designed to help survivors and families move from crisis toward stability. This campaign seeks to increase awareness of these support systems and help connect individuals with organizations equipped to assist.

Financial abuse is one of the most common reasons survivors feel unable to leave. Advocates can help connect survivors with financial resources, legal aid, and housing support even before a final decision is made.

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Consider preparing an emergency bag that includes the following items. Keep it in a safe, accessible place.

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Sometimes survivors reach out and learn that shelter space is limited. Support may still be available.

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Leaving an abusive relationship takes courage. If you are currently staying in a domestic violence shelter, your safety and confidentiality are extremely important. Shelters are designed to provide a safe, confidential space while you begin to rebuild your life and create a plan for the future.

Domestic violence shelters keep their locations confidential to protect residents. To maintain safety for yourself and others:

If you believe someone may know your location, notify shelter staff immediately. Shelter advocates are trained to help protect your safety.

Responding to or engaging with an abuser can cost you and your family your lives — by death.

When an abuser loses control, they may say whatever it takes to get you to come back. They know your heartstrings. They may apologize, promise change, cry, quote Scripture, use the children, offer money, or remind you of 'good times.'

Many survivors return because they feel overwhelmed, financially stuck, emotionally exhausted, or afraid they cannot make it. But when a survivor goes back, the abuse often becomes worse.

For your safety:

Advocates can help you understand your options and remain safe. Your safety and your children's safety must come first.

Shelters often provide a wide range of support services for individuals and families. These may include:

Ask your advocate what services are available at your specific shelter.

Many survivors pursue legal protection while staying in a shelter.

A Temporary Protective Order can legally prevent an abuser from contacting or approaching you. A TPO may include:

Shelter advocates can often help you file protective orders and prepare for court.

Domestic violence shelters often provide services for children, including:

Children exposed to domestic violence may need specialized emotional support. Your advocate can help connect you with child-focused counselors and services.

Many survivors delay leaving abusive situations because of concern for their pets. Some shelters offer:

Healing from domestic violence is a process that takes time. Shelters often provide:

Many survivors need help rebuilding financial stability. Programs may include:

If you need confidential guidance or support, you may contact Purple Casket Campaign.

Your safety and privacy are always respected.

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Children do not have to be physically assaulted to be harmed by domestic violence in the home.

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Domestic violence can happen in any relationship, including same-sex relationships. Abuse is abuse, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.

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Domestic violence affects people of all immigration statuses. If you are an immigrant or non-citizen experiencing abuse, you have rights and there are resources available to help you — regardless of your documentation status.

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Elder abuse can happen in homes, by family members, caregivers, partners, or others in positions of trust. It may include physical harm, emotional abuse, neglect, abandonment, sexual abuse, or financial exploitation.

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For many survivors, pets are family. Sadly, many victims delay leaving an abusive situation because they fear what may happen to their dog, cat, or other beloved pet. Purple Casket Campaign believes safety planning must include pets.

Purple Casket Campaign supports national initiatives that help survivors protect both themselves and their beloved animals.

Purina, through the Purple Leash Project in partnership with RedRover, helps support domestic violence survivors and their pets by increasing access to pet-friendly domestic violence shelters and safe spaces. This work helps raise awareness that survivors should never have to choose between their own safety and the safety of their pets.

RedRover — RedRover provides Safe Escape Grants to help survivors pay for temporary pet boarding and veterinary care when escaping abuse. The organization also helps domestic violence shelters create pet-friendly housing so survivors can bring their pets with them.

Purple Leash Project — Supported by Purina and RedRover, the Purple Leash Project raises awareness about the link between domestic violence and pet safety. The initiative helps expand the number of pet-friendly domestic violence shelters across the United States.

Safe Havens for Pets — Safe Havens for Pets maintains a national directory of programs that provide temporary housing for pets of domestic violence survivors. These programs allow pets to stay safely with foster families or partner organizations while survivors seek safety.

Ahimsa House (Georgia) — Ahimsa House serves survivors in Georgia by providing safe shelter, veterinary care, and protection for pets affected by domestic violence situations.

Leaving abuse is hard enough. No one should have to leave a loyal companion behind in order to survive. Safety planning for survivors must also protect the animals who love them.

If you are in danger, reach out for help immediately and include your pets in your safety plan.

— Chyna McGarity, Founder, Purple Casket Campaign

This story is why pet safety planning is a core part of the Purple Casket Campaign's mission. No survivor should face this impossible choice alone.

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Domestic violence and abuse can impact anyone — including military families, veterans, and even service members within the ranks.

While many people think of domestic violence only as abuse between spouses or partners, violence can also occur between soldiers themselves, including service members who experience abuse from fellow soldiers, partners who are also in the military, or within veteran households after service. The culture of silence, fear of retaliation, and concern about career consequences can make it extremely difficult for service members to report abuse or seek help.

The Purple Casket Campaign recognizes that abuse within the military community — including soldier-to-soldier violence — is a real issue that deserves awareness, support, and solutions.

During my time interacting with military communities, I witnessed something that many people do not openly talk about. I saw soldiers — both men and women — who were experiencing abuse. Some were suffering from verbal and emotional abuse, while others were enduring physical violence. This is not something that should ever happen, especially to those who serve and sacrifice for our country. Yet the reality is that domestic violence can exist in any environment, including within military families.

Domestic violence thrives in silence. In many cases, individuals may feel pressure to remain quiet due to rank, fear of retaliation, shame, or the belief that speaking up could damage a career or family reputation. It takes tremendous courage and empathy to stand up against abuse. Survivors are often facing forces that have been taught, normalized, or learned over time. Breaking that cycle requires support, understanding, and a community willing to listen without judgment.

Research has shown that domestic violence can impact military families due to many complex factors including combat stress, trauma exposure, deployment cycles, and reintegration challenges.

Recognizing the problem is the first step toward protecting service members and their families.

There was a time in my life when I felt embarrassed, ashamed, and humiliated. It was one of the worst experiences of my life.

Many people say, "You should have just left." But only a survivor understands what it truly takes to survive until the opportunity arises to leave safely.

Leaving is not always simple. Survivors must often wait until they can create a safety plan and protect their children.

When I was living overseas as a military spouse, I was told something that I will never forget. I was informed that my husband had to give permission for me to return to the United States. When he was asked, he said I could leave — but that I would not be able to take the children.

At that moment, I realized how powerless I felt. Back then I was simply considered a spouse with no real voice or control over my situation.

One of the most painful things survivors often hear is:

"Why didn't you just leave?"

But for many survivors — especially those connected to the military — leaving is not simple.

In military households and military communities, survivors may face additional barriers such as fear, isolation, retaliation, financial dependence, relocation, lack of support, concerns about rank or career consequences, and threats involving children.

Some survivors are far away from family, living overseas, or in environments where they feel they have little voice or no control over what happens next.

Others are made to believe that they have no rights, no options, and nowhere to go. For some, even asking for help feels dangerous. For others, the danger increases the moment they try to leave.

That is why many survivors stay in survival mode until the right opportunity arises and a safety plan can be put in place.

The truth is this: Only the survivor knows what it takes to make it through each moment, each day, and each frightening situation until the time comes to leave safely.

The Purple Casket Campaign wants survivors to know:

You may have been doing everything in your power just to stay alive, protect your children, and make it to the day when freedom finally became possible.

That day matters. Your safety matters. Your story matters.

And if you are still trying to figure out your next step, please know this:

D-Day — Decision Day

One night my husband came home intoxicated. During the argument he slapped me and I hit the floor. My son witnessed everything and screamed:

That moment changed everything.

Later that night while he slept on the couch, I took his gun and pointed it at his head. I was overwhelmed by pain, fear, and desperation and believed it was the only way to stop the violence.

But before I pulled the trigger, God stepped in. In that moment I heard in my spirit:

God showed me what would happen — my children placed in foster homes and separated, and my life spent in prison. Even though the moment was brief, the message was clear.

That night I made a different decision. Instead of responding with violence, I chose to pursue legal action and do everything in my power to leave safely.

Eventually I was granted permission to leave. I did not want anything from him. I just wanted my children and myself to be safe and to return to the United States where I knew I could start over.

If you are a military spouse, veteran, or service member experiencing abuse — help is available. You are not alone.

The Purple Casket Campaign believes that every individual — including those who serve in our armed forces — deserves to live in a home free from violence and fear. No one should suffer in silence. Abuse is not a sign of weakness, and seeking help is an act of strength.

As I reflect on all that I have been through, my prayer is that my story will help someone else find strength, wisdom, and courage.

If sharing what I survived helps even one person realize that they are not alone, that they deserve safety, and that there is still hope for their future, then my pain will not have been in vain.

I want survivors to know that healing is possible, starting over is possible, and a better life is possible.

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Faith can be a source of healing, comfort, and strength. However, faith should never be used to pressure someone to remain in abuse. In some cases, survivors are prevented from attending church or participating in spiritual communities. Faith should never be used as a weapon. Healthy faith communities support safety, healing, and dignity.

Spiritual abuse is a form of emotional and psychological abuse. It may involve using faith, scripture, religious beliefs, church leadership, or spiritual language to shame, silence, manipulate, pressure, or control another person.

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Domestic violence can affect workplace attendance, productivity, concentration, emotional well-being, and personal safety. It may also create safety concerns for coworkers and employers when abusive behavior follows a survivor into the workplace. Employers, supervisors, and coworkers should understand the importance of trauma-informed responses, privacy, safety planning, and connection to appropriate support resources.

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Housing stability is one of the most urgent challenges faced by survivors leaving abusive relationships.

Domestic violence is widely recognized as a leading cause of homelessness for women and families in the United States. When individuals leave unsafe environments, they often must do so quickly, sometimes with little time to secure safe housing.

Without stable housing options, survivors may face difficult choices between safety and basic necessities.

Safe and stable housing significantly increases a survivor's ability to rebuild independence and long-term stability.

Communities and organizations can support survivors by expanding access to:

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Experiencing domestic violence can have significant emotional and psychological impacts.

Survivors often endure prolonged stress, fear, and trauma that may affect many areas of their lives. These experiences can influence emotional well-being, relationships, and daily functioning.

Recognizing the mental health impact of domestic violence is an important part of supporting survivors on their path to healing.

Survivors may experience a range of trauma-related responses, including:

Healing from trauma often involves access to supportive resources and compassionate care.

Increasing awareness about trauma helps communities better understand the full impact of domestic violence.

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If you or someone you know may be experiencing domestic violence, confidential help and support resources are available. You are not alone, and trained advocates are available to help individuals explore safety options and connect with local services.

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Domestic violence is widespread, dangerous, and often hidden. Awareness and education can save lives.

Survivors may delay leaving because of children, financial dependence, housing concerns, military obligations, faith pressure, immigration status, or fear for pets.

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Domestic violence is a serious crime. Many acts of domestic violence can be charged as misdemeanors or felony offenses depending on the severity of the crime and applicable state law.

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Domestic violence often happens behind closed doors. Choosing not to act can allow abuse to continue. Speaking up may help save a life.

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These trusted resources can help locate shelters, counseling, legal advocacy, protective orders, housing support, and safety planning assistance.

Purple was chosen intentionally. It is the color the world has assigned to domestic violence awareness — a color that represents bruises unseen, voices unheard, and lives cut short. When you see purple in this campaign, you are seeing a declaration: we will not look away.

Inside that casket is someone's child. Someone's mother. Someone's best friend. Someone's partner. Someone who laughed, loved, dreamed — and whose life was taken or nearly taken by the person who was supposed to protect them.

The casket is a warning. It is what happens when silence wins. It is what this campaign exists to prevent.

If you are reading this, you made a choice — consciously or not — to keep going. That choice matters. That choice is why this campaign exists.

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There was a time in my life when I believed there was no way out.

During the years I experienced domestic violence, I was beaten down emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. I was constantly made to feel worthless and hopeless. I was threatened repeatedly and told that if I ever left, my abuser would harm or kill me and my family.

Fear like that can keep someone trapped for a very long time.

I was also afraid of what might happen to my children or even my pets if I tried to leave. These fears are very real for many survivors and can make the decision to leave extremely difficult.

At times I felt trapped between a hard place and a rock.

There were moments when I felt so broken and dehumanized that I believed death might be my only way out. I even thought about giving my children up for adoption because I felt so overwhelmed and believed they might be better off without me.

But my faith in God helped me begin to see a small light in the darkness.

One thing that helped me begin to move forward was keeping a journal.

I wrote down what was happening — the abuse, the threats, the fear, and the pain. I documented the reality of what I was living through.

Sometimes when I shared my story, people did not believe me. Abuse often happens behind closed doors, and many survivors are not believed at first.

But documenting what was happening helped me find my voice and helped others begin to see the truth.

Keeping records, journaling, saving messages, taking photos, and telling trusted friends or family members what is happening can help protect you and may later become important evidence.

Many survivors say:

It is important to understand that this is also abuse.

Verbal and emotional abuse can be extremely damaging. Being constantly criticized, called degrading names, controlled, threatened, or made to feel worthless can slowly destroy a person's confidence and sense of identity.

Physical wounds may heal, but emotional wounds can stay in your mind long after the words are spoken.

If someone continually insults you, threatens you, controls you, isolates you, or makes you feel afraid or worthless, that is not love.

That is abuse.

Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and kindness.

No one deserves to be hit, abused, humiliated, or controlled.

Abuse is not love.

Love should never involve fear, violence, intimidation, or constant disrespect. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home, in their relationships, and in their lives.

During my experience with domestic violence, I slowly lost parts of myself. I was trying to survive every moment — every second, every day, every month, and every year.

When you are living in violence, your focus often becomes simply getting through the next moment safely.

Over time, I realized that I had to learn who I was again. I had to relearn self-love and rebuild my confidence and identity.

Many people say, "I would never stay in a situation like that." But the truth is, no one truly understands what a survivor is enduring unless they have lived it.

Survivors often endure more than people can imagine while they search for a safe way out.

One of the most important things we can do is teach our children early what love truly looks like — and what it does not look like.

If you know someone who may be experiencing abuse, encourage them. Remind them that they deserve better and that they deserve to live free from violence.

Leaving was one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make.

I was afraid.
I was uncertain.
But once I made the decision, I pressed forward.

And if you are reading this today, I want you to know that you can press forward too.

For years I was told that as long as my children were okay, then I was okay.

But I came to realize something very important.

If I am safe, healthy, and strong, then I can show my children what strength looks like.

I can teach them that love should never involve fear or violence.

My motto is simple:

Psalm 34:18 — "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

The Purple Casket Campaign is a survivor-centered domestic violence awareness initiative rooted in education, advocacy, and community support.

Chyna McGarity is the founder of the Purple Casket Campaign, a domestic violence awareness initiative focused on education, prevention, and survivor empowerment. Her work is deeply personal and rooted in her own journey of survival, healing, and advocacy.

After experiencing years of physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and spiritual abuse, Chyna made the life-changing decision to protect herself and her children and break the cycle of violence. Her abuser was both a police officer and Military Police, and over time the abuse escalated. She was isolated from family and friends, financially controlled, and prevented from practicing her faith. Injuries were often hidden beneath clothing, and threats were used to silence her.

Everything changed the day her son witnessed the abuse and screamed for it to stop. That moment became the turning point in her life.

Chyna began documenting the abuse and eventually presented evidence to military leadership. After returning to the United States and rebuilding her life, she later discovered her abuser was attempting to locate her in Atlanta. That was when she reached out to Partnership Against Domestic Violence (PADV).

During one of the darkest seasons of her life, PADV became what she describes as her guardian angel. More than twenty years ago, Chyna lived in the PADV Fulton County shelter. The organization provided safety, childcare, counseling, parenting support, legal advocacy, and financial assistance that helped her rebuild stability and independence.

Through healing and support, Chyna later returned to PADV as a PRN advocate and volunteer, helping other survivors navigate their path to safety.

Her experience highlights forms of abuse that are often misunderstood or hidden — including abuse within military families, financial control and economic abuse, spiritual abuse within faith communities, emotional and psychological manipulation, and the profound impact domestic violence has on children.

Today, Chyna is an advocate, author, speaker, and empowerment leader dedicated to helping survivors reclaim their voice and rebuild their lives.

She is a Board Certified Christian Counselor, International Holistic Transformation Coach, and AI Certified Consultant. She is also an emerging AI educator, teaching individuals and organizations how to use tools such as ChatGPT and Gamma AI to improve communication, productivity, and digital outreach.

In addition to her advocacy work, Chyna has over 40 years of experience as a professional plus-size model, where she has helped challenge traditional beauty standards while promoting confidence, dignity, and self-worth.

Chyna is also a contributing author to the book "Being Black in America," offering a close personal look at the lives of Black professionals and their challenges and successes in spite of systemic barriers.

Through the Purple Casket Campaign, Chyna continues to raise awareness, provide practical resources for survivors, and encourage communities to stand together to break the cycle of abuse.

Chyna McGarity speaks to churches, organizations, conferences, and community groups on topics including: