In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the University of Mary Washington will spread messages of awareness and prevention throughout the month of October.
Planned by student leaders, the Office of Title IX and local survivor support programs, the sponsored activities will focus on bystander intervention, prevention and available support services.
Among the activities, UMW will feature a month-long Red Flag Campaign. With posters, fliers and flags placed across campus, students will be reminded how to recognize the “red flags” of dating violence in not only their own lives but also in the lives of their friends and family.
Scheduled UMW events in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month include:
Healthy Relationships Photo Booth: Oct. 18, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in front of Lee Hall. A photo booth will be open for anyone in the UMW community who wants to take a photo with someone they value and share the healthy aspects of their relationship.
“It’s on Us” UMW Bystander Intervention Pledge: Oct. 19, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in front of Lee Hall, and 6 to 7 p.m. in front of George Washington Hall. Students and faculty will have the chance to learn how to be active bystanders in unsafe situations, including incidents of sexual violence, hazardous alcohol use, illicit drug involvement, bullying and harassment. With the acceptance of the pledge, participants will receive a complimentary T-shirt and other free products.
“It’s on Us” UMW Homecoming Tailgating: Oct. 21, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., near Battlegrounds Soccer Field. Join the members who make up Office of Title IX at the UMW Homecoming games for delicious mock-tails, free products and speedy tips to ensure the safety of all Eagles.
The Office of Title IX and Center for Prevention and Education Open House: Nov. 8, 4 to 6 p.m. The Office of Title IX and the Center for Prevention and Education are hosting an open house in their new office space, Fairfax House. Light refreshments, as well as resources and information about the services offered, will be provided. In addition, there will be an interactive art project for all visitors to leave their personal sign in the new space.
For more information and updates on other events during the month, such as kick-off, bingo night, movie screenings and community conversations, visit the Office of Title IX events page.
Becky Butler-Guy says
As a holder of two degrees from Mary Washington [BA and MALS] and as a founder of RCDV which has become Empowerhouse, I applaud this excellent plan of “awareness” and support you all have created for October, Domestic Violence Month.
Godspeed as you move through the activities in October, designed to stem the violence which has become all too commonplace in your age group.