Interfaith Dialogue Dinner Series Continues March 28 with Discussion on Responses to Sexual and Relationship Violence

A discussion on the intersection between faith and sexual and relationship violence will be the third in Syracuse University’s spring 2019 Interfaith Dialogue Dinner Series, “Common and Diverse Ground: Raising Consciousnesses by Acknowledging the ‘Hidden’ Things that Divide Us,” on Thursday, March 28.

The dialogue, “Interfaith Responses to Sexual and Relationship Violence,” will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Noble Room of Hendricks Chapel. Dinner starts at 5:30 p.m.

The conversation will focus on how faith communities and spaces have, at times, contributed to sexual and relationship violence, while likewise providing sanctuary, support and healing in the aftermath of violence.

To address this serious topic and raise awareness about Sexual and Relationship Violence Awareness Month, Hendricks Chapel has partnered with Vera House. George Kilpatrick, coordinator of Vera House’s Men’s Outreach program, will serve as one of the evening’s co-facilitators. The other is Sarah Korcz G’21, currently studying in the area of social work within the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics.

The gathering will include a shared meal, facilitated dialogue and two periods of mindful meditation (at the beginning and the end). American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and inclusive food will be provided. Requests for accommodations and/or food queries should be made in advance by contacting chapel@syr.edu.

The “Common and Diverse Ground” series is co-sponsored by Hendricks Chapel, the Office of Interdisciplinary Programs and Outreach in the Burton Blatt Institute and the Disability Cultural Center, and for several years has brought members of the campus community together in an inclusive environment to explore challenging contemporary issues.

Resources available to offer support to students impacted by sexual and relationship violence include the Counseling Center (315.443.4715), Hendricks Chapel (chapel@syr.edu or 315.443.2901), Health Services (health@syr.edu or 315.443.9005) and the Office of Student Assistance (studentassistance@syr.edu or 315.443.4357). Additionally, students and other Syracuse University community members are encouraged to learn more about sexual and relationship health by contacting the Office of Health Promotion (healthpromotion@syr.edu or 315.443.7273).

Carebridge, the University’s Faculty and Staff Assistance Program, is available at clientservice@carebridge.com or 800.437.0911.

For more information about Vera House or Sexual and Relationship Violence Awareness Month, visit www.verahouse.org. For questions and more information, contact Vera House at 315.425.0818 or info@verahouse.org. If you need immediate assistance, call 911 or their 24-hour crisis and support line at 315.468.3260.

For more information on the event series, contact Hendricks Chapel at 315.443.2901 or chapel@syr.edu.