The Center for Women’s Studies, Shaw Wellness Institute and Haven collaborated to organize a diverse itinerary of events in support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). Haven Ambassadors launched the month’s programming with a kick-off tabling session Oct. 1 at the O’Connor Campus Center (Coop).
Sophomore and Haven Ambassador Jay Adolphe explained the goal of these events.
“Not only do ambassadors wish to honor survivors during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but we also want to spread awareness on [domestic violence] and reduce any stigma around campus about survivors coming to Haven for help,” Adolphe said.
Haven’s Oct. 7 tabling event, “Seeing Red,” sought to help students recognize key characteristics of healthy and unhealthy relationships. Haven’s Healthy Relationships Bingo on Oct. 17 helped students identify these dynamics.
Haven encouraged students to get active this month with events such as “Unleash Your Power: Boundaries and Boxing” on Oct. 3 — a lesson on boundary-setting and boxing — and a Domestic Violence Awareness 3K Color Run on Oct. 9. The 3K gathered donations for the Help Restore Hope Center, a support and advocacy organization and confidential resource for those involved with domestic abuse, sexual assault and other violence in Madison and Chenango Counties. Haven, The Network and Shaw Wellness co-hosted the Color Run, which brought around 175 students to Whitnall Field.
Junior Haven ambassador Jamie Kleinbord expressed excitement about the 3K.
“The Haven ambassadors were super excited about the 3K […] It was a great way for students to get involved in DVAM in an active way and contribute to the effort to spread awareness about domestic violence,” Kleinbord said.
University athletes showed out for DVAM. The football team hosted a domestic violence awareness game against Georgetown University on Oct. 19, and the track and field and rugby teams came in packs to the 3K run. Women’s ice hockey will host a domestic violence awareness game at Colgate on Oct. 26.
For sophomore rugby player Halle Hatten, the 3K was an opportunity to stand alongside her teammates who felt especially connected to the event.
“Someone on my team reached out about the event being important to them, so we all decided to go together. I saw it as a really great opportunity to uplift and connect with the broader student community,” Hatten said. “I think it’s especially important to engage in areas where we may not have personal ties because our presence can mean a lot to those who do.”
The Center for Women’s Studies organized a community panel, “Beyond Stereotypes: Men’s Perspectives on Masculinity and Empowerment.” This event aimed to introduce male voices to discussions of gendered power dynamics and survivorship.
“Shedding light on male survivors gives a perspective that sexual assault can happen to anyone. Also, to create a culture of respect and consent, all members of the community must be well-educated on consent, not just the women,” Kleinbord said. “I hope the attendees of the event gained a new insight on the complexities of sexual assault and gender, and also how the harmful messages of masculinity may contribute to increased sexual violence.”
Some events were planned for survivors, like the Survivor Speakout healing session on Oct. 9, while others were designed for friends and family, like the Open Campus Trauma Informed Training session on Oct. 22. This session taught attendees how to best show support for their loved ones healing from domestic violence.
“By putting on events, ambassadors hope to engage students in meaningful conversations while also creating a safe environment on campus where students feel comfortable speaking about their experiences,” Adolphe said.
Other activities were planned to show community support, such as “Wear Purple Day” on Oct. 23, where students and faculty donned their violet, lavender and mauve clothing in solidarity with survivors.
Brown bag discussion events included “Let’s Talk,” in collaboration with the Office of International Student Services on Oct. 1, and “Community Connects,” hosted by the Office of Undergraduate Studies on Oct. 22. The Africana, Latin, Asian and Native American (ALANA) Cultural Center collaborated with Haven for the ALANA and Haven Thrive Dinner on Oct. 16. Shaw invited community members to a Health and Wellness Fair on Oct. 23.
