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National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October 18-22, 2004
The newly-created Office of Anti-Violence Initiatives (OAVI) aims to increase awareness of domestic and sexual violence while concurrently providing a wealth of resources for students, staff, and faculty.
The week of events, planned in coordination with a number of on-campus organizations, such as Amnesty International, Women in Leadership and Learning, the White Ribbon Campaign, and the Women's Center, is designed to draw attention to the alarming and pervasive nature of domestic violence. OAVI also hopes to aid in the prevention of future incidents and to encourage victims to come forward and receive help.
“I believe in addressing domestic violence through open communication, education, and awareness,” said Deitch-Stackhouse. “Domestic violence is a human problem that affects all communities, socioeconomic classes, ethnic groups, races, and ages. We hope that Domestic Violence Awareness Month will enable both women and men to begin a dialogue on these issues and collaborate on prevention efforts year round to ultimately create an environment of safety and understanding.”
Major events of the week include:
Monday, Oct. 18 - Friday, Oct. 22, 10a.m.-noon, Student
Center
Pledge-Signing: Men Against Violence Against Women. Men are invited to sign
the "Men Against Violent Against Women Pledge." The pledge will be published
in the Signal. Sponsored by the White Ribbon Organization.
Monday, Oct. 18, 10a.m.-2p.m., Student Center
"Hand-Painted" Banner. As a demonstration of support
to end violence against women, students can dip their hands in paint
and leave their imprint on a banner. The banner will then be displayed
in the Student Center for the rest of the week. Sponsored by Amnesty
International.
Tuesday, Oct. 19, 12:10p.m.-12:35p.m., Quimby's Prarie
"Die-In." The Die-In symbolizes those who have died as a
result of domestic/dating violence. The event hopes to raise awareness
of intimate partner violence. Sponsored by WILL and the Women's Center.
Thursday, Oct. 21, 8p.m.-10p.m., Student Center, 202 West
"Coffee House." Come out for an interactive coffee house
focusing on the awareness and prevention of domestic violence. There
will be an open mic for poets and singers. Sponsored by Amnesty International,
GUTS, Lambda Theta Alpha Sorority, Lambda Theta Phi Fraternity, White
Ribbon, WILL, and Womanspace.
Other on-campus activities include public displays of purple ribbons (the official color of Domestic Violence Awareness Month) and multimedia displays.
“This is the first year that TCNJ will be officially recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we are all very excited about the events we have planned. It is so important to engage young people early in their lives in order to help guide their future relationships. With the anticipated success of this year's calendar, we hope to increase our on-campus and community programs in the future as the Office of Anti-Violence Initiatives grows,” said Deitch-Stackhouse.
For more information on resources available through the OAVI or to arrange a meeting, please contact Jackie at deitch@tcnj.edu.
