October is National Dating and Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) and to raise awareness and show our community’s support for those impacted, the Barnes Center at The Arch is hosting several events this year. As part of the month’s activities, Hendricks Chapel, JMA Wireless Dome and the Hall of Languages will also be illuminated purple, the color for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, on the nights of Oct. 24 through Oct. 27 to honor survivors and victims of interpersonal violence.

Here are ways campus community members can get involved and show support during DVAM.

‘Go Purple’ Office Decorating Contest

Offices and departments across campus are invited to decorate their spaces with information, facts and resources related to violence prevention. Purple decorations are encouraged. To participate, complete the office decorating contest registration form by Friday, Oct. 14. Spaces will be judged beginning Oct. 24-27, with results announced on Friday, Oct. 28.

Clothesline Project

The Clothesline Project is a visual display of T-shirts decorated with empowering messages and statistics by individuals impacted by interpersonal violence. The project will be on display in the atrium of the Schine Student Center from Oct. 17-21, serving as a visual exhibition to break the silence on dating and domestic violence and honor the strength of those impacted by interpersonal violence. Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc. is hosting a night to make T-shirts in Eggers 010 on Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. in support of the project, where Peer Educators Encouraging Healthy Relationships and Sexuality (PEEHRS) peer educators will be providing education on the Clothesline Project and DVAM.

Purple Thursday

Show support by wearing purple on Thursday, Oct. 20, for National Wear Purple Day. Campus community members are encouraged to post photos wearing purple and sharing messages of support on Instagram with #SUGoesPurple.

Education Efforts and Workshops

Health Hubs, a signature program of the health promotion team in the Barnes Center, will pop up around campus to provide quick education and connection to resources regarding healthy relationships and interpersonal violence prevention. The Wellness Leadership Institute also has many opportunities to attend workshops about consent, relationships and other related topics. You can register through the Wellness Portal.

For more information about resources, education and reporting, visit the Sexual and Relationship Violence Resource website.

With questions about any of the events pertaining to Dating and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, please email Shannon Hefti.

Story by Tessa Hodinger G’23, Student Experience communications graduate assistant