WWU hoping to raise awareness, provide support during Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities on campus
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. 1 | 10:30 AM – 2 PM | Kick-off in Red Square
Stop by our table in Red Square to help us kick off DVAM at WWU! Pick up a purple DVAM ribbon, consent stickers, Healthy Relationships checklist, 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. 8 | 4:30 – 6 PM | VU 462A | Create a Relationships Vision Board!
Come create your own vision board about the love and relationships—platonic, romantic, and everything in between—that each of us are worthy of. All art supplies will be provided.
OCT. 15 | 12 – 1 PM | Bond Hall 111 | Healthy Relationships Skills for Kids and Families
Are you a parent, student, or community member who works with or cares for children? Join the Counseling and Wellness Center and other staff, faculty, and people who care for children to learn together and share tools for teaching young people about healthy relationships.
OCT. 22 | 4:30 – 6 PM | VU 462A | Supporting Student Survivors training
Faculty and staff, including student employees, are invited to participate in a training 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 and register on the DVAM website.
OCT. 23 | 12 – 1 PM | VU 735 | Cultivate a Culture of Consent at WWU!
Join Liz Stuart, Assistant Director of Outreach and Health Promotion, and Deidre Evans, Survivor Advocacy Services Coordinator, from the Counseling and Wellness Center for this DVAM Lunch and Learn. You will leave with tangible resources that you can implement in your communities to promote healthy relationships and consent culture.
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