Puget Sound supports YWCA’s Domestic Violence Action Month with on-campus events and awareness

By Christina Pelletier

Loyal patrons of Diversions Cafe might notice purple ribbons on their to-go cups this month, stuck on in honor of Domestic Violence Action Month (DVAM).

DVAM started with the purpose of connecting women and children who were victims of abuse. In 1981, it began with just the “Day of Unity.” It expanded to a week of remembrance and advocacy until 1987, when the first Domestic Violence Action Month, as it is called today, was observed.

The University of Washington’s Sexual Assault Resources defines domestic violence as “physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or the infliction of fear of  imminent physical harm, bodily injury, or assault,” by spouses, former spouses, any kind of domestic partner or a family member. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, about 20,000 phone calls to domestic violence hotlines are made daily nationwide.

Domestic violence is not confined to just within a household. It occurs on college campuses across the nation, and women ages 16–24 are most likely to experience intimate partner violence. According to the Title IX information website knowyourIX.org, “43 percent of dating college women report experiencing violent and abusive dating behaviors including physical, sexual, technology-facilitated, verbal or other forms of controlling abuse.”

Raising awareness not only brings the subject to light but it calls for action. According to the National Violence Against Women Survey created by the National Institute of Justice, only “25 percent of physical assaults perpetrated against women are reported to the police annually.” By bringing attention to the subject and talking about it, survivors of domestic violence may feel encouraged to share their experience with intimate partner violence. If you or someone you know is looking for help on campus, Campus Health and Wellness Services (CHWS) has several resources available to students.

YWCA Pierce County has decided to hold Domestic Violence Action Month in hopes of changing the way people see and talk about domestic violence and ending the stigma surrounding rape. Their goal is to “mov[e] the focus from understanding the issue to taking action to prevent and end domestic violence in our community.”

YWCA Pierce County has set up events to raise money and awareness for domestic violence. On Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. Kilworth Memorial Chapel at the University of Puget Sound will host a night of stories from domestic violence survivors. It is $10 for students and $20 for the general public. A link to purchase tickets can be accessed through https://www.ywcapiercecounty.org/dvam.