Community, University members come together for panel discussion on collaborative efforts to reduce domestic, sexual violence

Community, University members come together for panel discussion on collaborative efforts to reduce domestic, sexual violenceMarch 23, 2007Matthew R. Snydermrsnyder@syr.edu

This spring, Syracuse University has taken a leadership role in supporting Vera House’s White Ribbon Campaign in Central New York. The community-wide campaign, which is currently under way, is aimed at raising awareness of domestic and sexual violence through the distribution of Vera House’s white ribbons, wristbands and lapel pins, which visibly represent the wearer’s commitment to refusing to tolerate gender-based violence.

SU will continue to advance this effort by bringing together community and University members for a panel discussion, “Responding to Domestic and Sexual Violence — the University and the City: Two Communities as One,” on Wednesday, March 28, at 7 p.m. in Crouse-Hinds Auditorium, Room 010 of the Crouse-Hinds Building. The event is free and open to the public; parking will be available in the University’s visitor pay lots.

Representatives from the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office and Vera House will join staff and students from the University Rape, Advocacy, Prevention and Education (R.A.P.E.) Center; SU’s Office of Multicultural Affairs; SU’s Department of Public Safety; the Interfraternity Council; and the Panhellenic Council to talk about how SU and the community are working together and possible future points of collaboration.

The event is organized by Rami S. Badawy, director of SU’s Office of Judicial Affairs and a White Ribbon Campaign committee member, and Roy W. Baker, director of fraternity and sorority affairs in SU’s Office of Student Life.

“The greater community and Syracuse University are collaborating in many ways to put Syracuse at the forefront of violence prevention efforts nationwide,” says Badawy. “Within this discussion, we will examine our efforts and determine ways that we might be able to further expand our partnerships.”

The Vera House White Ribbon Campaign will continue through April 1. On campus, white ribbons ($1), wrist bands ($1) and lapel pins ($5) are available for purchase in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, Room 518 of Crouse-Hinds Hall during business hours and in the atrium of the Hildegarde and J. Myer Schine Student Center from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on weekdays during the campaign. Orders for large quantities can be made by contacting Jennifer Uryniak, assistant director/financial analyst, at (315) 443-4357 or jlurynia@syr.edu.

Vera House works to end all domestic and sexual violence, to assist families in crisis, to support those affected by domestic and sexual violence to live safe, self-sufficient lives, to empower women and children; and to promote a culture of equality and respect in relationships. Located in Syracuse for 30 years, it offers numerous programs and services, including 24-hour crisis hotlines. It introduced the White Ribbon Campaign to Central New York 13 years ago and will host several events in the community during this year’s campaign. For more information, visit http://verahouse.org.

For more information on the White Ribbon Campaign at SU, contact the Office of the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs at 443-4263.