Domestic violence and abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender and race. It affects every facet of our lives, from family members to those who we have just met –no one is left physically or emotionally untouched.
On Oct. 19 the Student Leadership Association will sponsor Domestic Violence Awareness D ay in Building 8 the stage area with local agencies, such as Artemis Center, Daybreak and YMCA speaking to students, faculty and staff about domestic violence.
The event is open to the public.
“My vision for the event is for females in abusive situations to have hope to leave that situation. I want people to know that there is a way out,” said Jasmine Rogers, student event planner for SLA.
It is estimated that in the United States, more than 1,200 women are killed by their intimate partners and that 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, according to artemiscenter.org.
“Not all domestic violence victims are female, but the vast majority are. Some of the male victims are victims of same-sex violence,” said Susan Gottschalk, family violence collaborative director for Artemis Center. “But it is simpler to refer to the victims as females because that is the case the majority of the time.”
Domestic violence can include physical, intimate, sexual, verbal, as well as financial manipulation, isolation and intimidation.
“People need to know that it is not okay to be taken advantage of and be used. A lot of times, college students are in these type of relationships and don’t even know that they are,” said Miesha Russell, student volunteer for SLA. “Love is many things but love is not hurt or pain. Someone that truly love you wouldn’t abuse you.”
SLA will have a silent auction of baskets that are donated from local organizations and businesses. Students, faculty and staff can bid on the baskets during the event.
SLA will also be selling Domestic violence merchandise and baked goods will be sold, and will be provided by the Paralegal Student Association.
All the money that is raised will be donated and split equally among the Artemis Center, Daybreak and the YMCA to help them continue their efforts to raise awareness about domestic violence, according to Rogers.
“[My advice would be] seek someone that you trust to let them know what is going on. There may have been others that have gone through the same thing your going through. Seek help so that you and the abuser can get help from places like Artemis, Daybreak and the YMCA,” Russell said. “If someone you know is being hurt report it so that no one else can get hurt.”