October is National Dating and Domestic Violence Awareness Month! First recognized in 1989, Dating and Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) serves as a time to raise awareness of domestic and dating violence and to show solidarity and support for victims and survivors.
Despite societal progress in reducing domestic violence over the last few decades, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) states that an average of 20 people are physically abused by intimate partners every minute, which equates to more than 10 million abuse victims annually. Additionally, NCTSN states that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been physically abused by an intimate partner.
If you’d like to learn more about DVAM or show your support for dating and domestic violence victims and survivors, consider attending some of the events and educational opportunities the Barnes Center at The Arch has scheduled throughout the month.
The Clothesline Project
The Clothesline Project is a display of T-shirts created by individuals impacted by sexual violence, relationship violence, stalking or other forms of interpersonal violence and is a way for survivors to share their experiences with our campus community. A University effort for more than a decade, this year’s Clothesline Project will be on display in the Schine Student Center Atrium from Oct. 17-21. You can learn more about the Clothesline Project by visiting the University’s Sexual and Relationship Violence Resources website.
If you’re interested in decorating a shirt for the Clothesline Project, representatives from the Barnes Center will be at Schine on Oct. 11 from noon-3 p.m. with supplies. Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc. is also hosting an event to learn more about the Clothesline Project and decorate T-shirts on Oct. 13 at 7 p.m.
Purple Thursday
Show solidarity with those affected by domestic violence by wearing your favorite purple outfit on Wear Purple Day, falling this year on Thursday, Oct. 20. Post photos of you wearing purple on Instagram with the hashtag #SUGoesPurple for a chance to be featured on @BeWellSU!
Wellness Leadership Institute Workshops
The Barnes Center’s Wellness Leadership Institute workshop series covers a variety of health and wellness topics throughout the academic year, including workshops pertaining to consent, relationships and related topics. Below are relationship-centric workshops available during the month of October:
- Bystander Intervention 101 | Friday, Oct. 28, 11 a.m. – noon
- Financial Wellness and Well-Being Series: Identifying Financial Abuse, Learning to Leave | Thursday, Oct. 20, 3-4 p.m.
- Relationships and Situationships | Monday, Oct. 17, 5-6 p.m.
- Sex Is Like a Pizza | Thursday, Oct. 27, 6:15-7:15 p.m.
- Sexual Misconduct Title IX: Prevent, Support, Report | Friday, Oct. 7, 11 a.m. – noon
- Sexy Bingo | Monday, Oct. 10, 5-6 p.m.
You can learn more about the Wellness Leadership Institute by visiting the Barnes Center’s website or register for a workshop in the Wellness Portal.
Health Hubs
Throughout the month of October, several Health Hubs will pop up around campus to provide education and connection to resources regarding sexual and relationship violence. Stop by when you see the Health Hub tent as you traverse campus this month!