October is nationally recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, an effort to raise awareness surrounding domestic and dating violence and show solidarity with and support for victims and survivors of interpersonal violence. In addition to participating in National Wear Purple Day, hosting workshops and illuminating the Hall of Languages in purple, the University announces the creation of the Sexual and Relationship Violence Resources website as part of continual efforts to increase education and to provide prevention, reporting and services information in a centralized place.
The Hall of Languages is illuminated in purple to recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
“With our ongoing work and outreach to educate our campus community about all forms of interpersonal violence, the Chancellor’s Task Force on Sexual and Relationship Violence is eager to share this new centralized resource with our campus community,” says Vice President for the Student Experience and Dean of Students Rob Hradsky, who co-chairs the Chancellor’s Task Force with Dean of Falk College Diane Lyden Murphy. “The website reflects the collaboration, coordination and commitment of many partners who do this important work every day to support those impacted by violence and promote a welcoming and safe campus environment.”
The website serves as a hub for sexual and relationship violence-related services, response, educational opportunities, policies and reporting options. It also demonstrates the vast network of teams across campus working to prevent and respond to sexual and relationship violence, including the Barnes Center at The Arch; Office of Equal Opportunity, Inclusion and Resolution Services (including Title IX); Department of Public Safety; Community Standards (formerly the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities); and Dean of Students, among many others, as well as off-campus resources such as Vera House. Critical to its development was feedback from students. Student peer educators from the Barnes Center at The Arch, along with student representatives from the Chancellor’s Task Force, provided input that helped shape the website.
“The launching of this website is a huge step in the right direction for survivors and allies on our campus. When it comes to delivering education, resources and reporting options, it is crucial material is as accessible as possible,” says Kinley Gaudette ’23, a peer educator at the Barnes Center. “Having key information, contacts and policies all in one place helps us ensure that if a student or someone they know is impacted by sexual and relationship violence, they are confident in their ability to access the information they need to make an informed decision as to how to proceed. The more students become well-versed in prevention, support and reporting options, the safer our campus will be.”
Campus community members are encouraged to visit the Sexual and Relationship Violence Resources website for more information, to learn about sexual and relationship violence, and for additional opportunities to support interpersonal violence prevention and education. Upcoming opportunities for Domestic Violence Awareness Month include:
National Wear Purple Day on Thursday, Oct. 21
The community is encouraged to “Wear Purple” on Thursday, Oct. 21, as part of the National Wear Purple Day to show solidarity with those impacted by interpersonal violence. Community members can post photos on social media, tagging @BeWellSU and using #SUGoesPurple, sharing why they wear purple to end interpersonal violence.
Office Decorating Contest
The Barnes Center invites campus offices to decorate their spaces purple for the month to raise awareness. Additional details will be posted to the University Events Calendar.
Workshops
During the month of October, the Barnes Center at The Arch will host two workshops in its Wellness Leadership Institute series focused on violence prevention and supporting those impacted by violence:
