October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Each October, Clemson joins the nation in recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), a time when victim advocates, allied professionals, survivors of abuse and their loved ones, the surrounding community and others come together in unity to help end domestic violence by bringing educational focus to this critical issue.

Everyone knows someone - domestic violence is more common than most realize, and its impact is far-reaching. One in four women and one in seven men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime (South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault). Domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless of defining characteristic or socioeconomic status and can affect friends, family, colleagues or even ourselves.

Clemson's Interpersonal Violence Resource Alliance, a group of trauma-informed resources from offices across campus who provide interpersonal violence-related services, has planned a full month of events to engage the campus community, educate on domestic violence, promote resources and empower survivors to seek help.

DVAM kicks off on Wednesday, Oct. 2 with tabling in the Quad from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

A book club series, self-defense class and donation drive are some of the other DVAM events happening this month.

The healing book club series, facilitated by Interpersonal Violence Response, is returning for DVAM, reading Still Life With Tornado by A.S. King. The book club will meet three times this month, on Oct. 8, 22 and 29, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in the 309 Learning Lab in Cooper Library. Use their online form to sign up and learn more.

Clemson University Police Department will be hosting self-defense classes on Monday, Oct. 21 and Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 5:30 p.m. in the Clemson University Police Department (124 Ravenel Center Place). Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about signs of abuse and safety tips, while practicing ways to defend themselves physically.

Safe Harbor will be accepting donations through Oct. 21 for children affected by domestic violence. Items seeking include candy, treats (temporary tattoos, bubbles, bookmarks, etc.), ChapStick and hair ties for children. These can be dropped off at any of the DVAM events or by contacting True-Allah Liles ([email protected]) with the Interpersonal Violence Prevention office to coordinate item drop-off.

Counseling and Psychological Services and Interpersonal Violence Response collaborated to design a domestic violence resource guide with Clemson Libraries. The guide includes books, podcasts, journals and content related to domestic violence. It also includes a list of campus and community resources along with more information about all events happening throughout Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Lastly, the campus community is encouraged to wear purple all month long to support those impacted by domestic violence and show commitment to promoting healthy relationships.