Lawrence observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month with events and educational opportunities

Throughout October, Lawrence has been observing Domestic Violence Awareness Month
(DVAM). According to Sexual Harassment and Assault Resource & Education (SHARE) committee chair Erin Buenzli, observation of the month stemmed from what was called the “Day of Unity” in 1981. It gives both those directly and indirectly affected by domestic violence a space to mourn the loss of life to domestic violence and recognize progress towards its end.

Director of Equity and Title IX Coordinator Robert Babcock said observing DVAM at Lawrence is a way to bring awareness to what he considers to be a widespread and prolific issue, hoping the month’s recognition will aid in the prevention and eventually the eradication of domestic violence on campus and beyond. In addition to this, Buenzli sees Lawrence’s DVAM observation as an opportunity for education on the subject through both university and community resources.

“We hope to increase awareness of the impact of interpersonal violence, to celebrate strength and resiliency and to provide a means to break through the silence that often surrounds interpersonal violence,” Buenzli said.

To honor DVAM, Lawrence is hosting a number of events. On the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 2, Lawrence shuttled students down to the annual Fox Cities Take Back the Night (TBTN) event hosted at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh. The event was a chance for domestic violence survivors to share their stories and for allies of the movement to show their solidarity by honoring survivor voices, as well as spreading education with a resource fair. This year, the Fox Cities TBTN was centered on the disability community. On Friday, Oct. 4, there was a friendship bracelet–making event. This Sunday, Oct. 13, Lawrence’s Student Alliance Against Sexual Assault and Harassment (SAASHA) will be taking a trip to a rage room. Starting Monday, Oct. 12, Lawrence will pilot its Garden of Growth Self Care Support Group in Warch Campus Center (WCC)’s Runkel Room from 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. The support group is led by the Reach Counseling Campus Advocate and intends to create a space for students to reconnect with themselves while building skills in personal wellness and resilience. Though Garden of Growth’s first meeting is scheduled as a part of DVAM, subsequent meetings will be held the third Monday of each month to follow. An online dating safety trivia event will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 30 to end Lawrence’s DVAM events. The date is still to be determined for the presentation titled “Consent and Fries.”

Buenzli said Lawrence will continue to work to create change in the conversation about domestic violence throughout the month.