October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month; campus events begin Monday in Red Square
CW: Discussion of the societal issue of relationship violence
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), an opportunity to learn together, support each other, and raise awareness about relationship violence. We take this time to honor survivors of domestic violence and inspire people to take action to end domestic violence. Every individual can make a difference, and when we unite around the goal of ending violence, we can change our world. We are all worthy of love, dignity, and respect in our relationships.
Throughout the month of October, the Counseling and Wellness Center’s Survivor Advocacy Services will be hosting special DVAM events and posting on the @bewellwwu Instagram account about actions you can take.
Upcoming events include:
OCT. 2 | 11 AM – 2 PM | Kick-off in Red Square
Visit the purple DVAM table in Red Square to help us kick off DVAM at WWU! Pick up a purple DVAM ribbon, consent stickers, Healthy Relationships checklist, other resources, and a free T-shirt while supplies last. We invite faculty and staff to stop by and pick up resources for their offices as well.
OCT. 5 (in person) and OCT. 30 (on Zoom) | “Supporting Student Survivors” trainings
Faculty and staff, including student employees, are invited to participate in one of our training sessions on supporting student survivors. These interactive trainings co-hosted by Survivor Advocacy Services and the office for Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance will cover the roles and responsibilities for faculty and staff. Learn more at our DVAM website.
OCT. 16 | 11 AM – 2 PM | Clothesline Project below the Library Skybridge
Stop by this powerful visual display of personal testimonies by survivors of relationship abuse and sexual violence and by those who honor and support them. Survivors can pick up supply packets at the Oct. 2 kick-off event or stop by the Counseling and Wellness Center in Old Main 540 through Oct. 13.
If you or someone you know is experiencing violence and abuse, resources are available:
- On-campus for Students: WWU Survivor Advocacy Services
- Local Community Resource: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County
- 24-hour Resources: Survivor Advocacy | Counseling and Wellness Center | Western Washington University (wwu.edu)
- WSCADV Friends and Family Guide: Friends & Family Guide – Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WSCADV)
- Love Is Respect: Support a friend or roommate experiencing abuse | love is respect