AUBURN, Ala. (EETV) - October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Auburn University will be hosting a full week of events to honor those who have been a victim to this violence.
In observance of the month, Samford Hall will be lit up in purple, a color representing the fight against domestic violence.
The advocacy for domestic violence began in 1981 with the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s Day of Unity, which was aimed towards ending violence against women and their children. It later became a full week devoted to supporting all survivors of these attacks.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have been victims of severe physical violence. Their statistics also show that, on average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. This week is meant to bring awareness to this victimization and ultimately stop domestic violence within our communities and around the world.
The awareness week on Auburn’s campus will start with a Silent Witness campaign called “Love Shouldn’t Hurt”, presenting a collection of stories of domestic violence. This campaign will be located on the Haley Concourse several times throughout the week. Lunch and Learn Title IX Training with Kelly Taylor, Auburn’s Title IX coordinator, will also be featured on Oct. 22 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Following this event, a documentary screening of “Private Violence” will be shown at 6:30 p.m. in the Cross Cultural Center for Excellence, located in suite 2103 of the Student Center. Lastly, Alpha Chi Omega will be hosting a candlelight vigil on Cater Lawn on Oct. 23 at 5:30 p.m.
T-shirts will be available to purchase on the Haley Concourse from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Oct. 21 and 24. The shirts will cost $10, and all proceeds will be sent directly to the Domestic Violence Intervention Center. This center provides various services to victims, including shelter, counseling and referrals. It serves several counties including Lee, Chambers, Tallapoosa, Macon and Randolph.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month was created to put an end to violence in personal relationships. The activities held throughout this month are intended to honor those who have personally faced domestic violence and intertwine them with people who work to end it. The activities prepared are focused on remembering those who have died due to this violence and encouraging those experiencing these attacks to seek help.
Auburn University students, faculty, and staff impacted by domestic violence have full access to a free and confidential service called Safe Harbor. This program is a survivor-centered resource with advocates who provide information about on and off campus services such as counseling, medical care, and legal reporting. Safe Harbor’s crisis number is 334-844-7233 and is available 24/7.
