One in Four, One in Nine: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
by Equal Opportunity
Intimate Partner Violence. Dating Violence. Domestic Violence. The terms may be different but the behavior and consequences are the same: physical violence, sexual violence, stalking and psychological aggression by a current or former intimate partner that negatively impacts physical health, mental health, work, school, friends and more.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in four women and one in nine men have experienced domestic violence. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, financial status, gender identity or sexual orientation. Despite these grim statistics, there is also hope. Domestic violence can be prevented — but it takes all of us.
Our campus has been decorated with purple ribbons to highlight Domestic Violence Awareness Month, showing that we stand in solidarity and support with the individuals impacted by domestic violence. Signs with statistics about that impact accompany the ribbons, reminding us of the effects domestic violence has on individuals and families — including those here in our community.
Participate in Purple Thursday Oct. 19
October is our opportunity to raise awareness and take action. By understanding the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships, recognizing signs of violence, knowing the resources and being prepared to respond for ourselves, a friend, or a family member, we can be part of the solution. Learn more through online resources, look for upcoming One Love in-person workshops and resources and donate to our local Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter. On Thursday, Oct. 19, wear purple and join us on campus as we walk with the Society of African American Men (SAAM).
Join Us for Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® Wednesday, Oct. 25
In addition to participating in Purple Thursday, a national day of action held every October to raise awareness about domestic violence, Michigan Tech Equal Opportunity Compliance and Title IX and the Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) will host a “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes®” event from 1-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 25. The walk, which begins at CDI, is designed to raise awareness of sexual assault and gender violence. It also gives men the opportunity to put themselves in “her shoes” — we encourage participating men to wear high heels during the one-mile walk. We hope the event starts conversations about the causes, effects and solutions that can help to end sexual and gender violence. The walk will also serve as a donation drive for the Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter.
Read the University definitions of Dating and Domestic Violence and get more information by visiting the Title IX website.