One in every four women and one in every seven men will experience severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. A shocking statistic that is not only sickening, but shows that domestic violence is a reality for many Americans.

Red Ribbon Week hopes to make a change in this statistic.

As a prevention awareness campaign for alcohol, tobacco, other drug use and violence, Red Ribbon Week is an annual event participated by schools nationwide in October .

While previous Red Ribbon Week’s have encouraged drug resistance efforts, RRW 2016 poses a fight against domestic violence; a fight long needed.

“The number of American troops killed in Afghanistan and Iraq between 2001 and 2012 was 6,488. The number of American women who were murdered by current or ex male partners during that time was 11,766. That is nearly double the amount of casualties lost during war,” informs Huffington Post writer, Alanna Vagiannos.

Through wearing purple, high schools around the country are taking a stand against domestic violence.

Red Ribbon Week is also a time to pay tribute to DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena of California, whose death lead to the creation of the Red Ribbon program.

Following the death of Camarena and the attention the killing generated, “Camarena Clubs” were initiated throughout the El Cajon, California. The clubs were formed to unite students, teachers, and others in the community against drug abuse. These clubs later received national attention and prompted the development of Red Ribbon Week.

With over 80 million people who celebrate Red Ribbon Week from kindergarten to high school, the impact made is unmatchable.

Henry Lozano, co-founder of Red Ribbon Week, advises students and families alike to recognize the importance of Red Ribbon Week.

“This week-long tribute is a time to raise national consciousness of the devastating abuse problem in our country, and to acknowledge our ongoing commitment to fighting it. Please take some time this week to discuss drug and domestic violence prevention with your families, colleagues, friends, and neighbors,” said Lozano.