Dating & Domestic Violence Awareness Month Events

October is Dating & Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). Did you know that 62% of college-aged students report experiencing some form of physical, psychological, or sexual abuse by an intimate partner. Unfortunately, 70% of college students don't know the signs of an unhealthy relationship. In order to combat this epidemic of intimate partner violence, we are expanding on the campus-wide DVAM events that commenced last October:

• Destress Fest Event - October 7 - Your relationship shouldn't be stressful! Stop by our table at the Campus Center to learn more & grab self-care treats, including relaxing Epsom salt and candy.
• Purple Day - Thursday, October 22 - This will be our campus-wide awareness day! Wear purple, grab some visibility swag, & use our zoom background to raise awareness about healthy relationships. We'll be sharing our Zoom Background created by Lily Davison shortly!
• Healthy Relationship Chain: Pandemic Edition - Every Thursday in October - How do you maintain healthy relationships during COVID? Add a link to our chain at our socially distant tabling events outside the Campus Center! Working remotely or not comfortable with tabling? Participate virtually by completing this form, and we'll add your link to the growing chain!
• Student Leader Campaign - Ongoing - Keep an eye out for on-campus flyers and Instagram posts highlighting student leaders' insights on maintaining healthy relationships during the pandemic. 
• Instagram Live Sessions in Partnership with Student Organizations - Ongoing - Join our Title IX Fellows & club leaders to learn how to take the toxic out of relationships.
  • BSU → October 13, 5-7pm
  • STARS → October 16, 2-4pm
  • APAC → October 16 at 3:30 pm
  • Diversity Room → October 20, 5-6 pm
  • Peer Health Educators - TBD
  • SGA - TBD
  • Email Dominique Davenport (ddavenport@smcm.edu) if you're interested in having your organization partner with us!

It's on all of us to actively create a community that stands against all forms of sexual and intimate partner violence. We hope you join us in this month's in-person and virtual activities to help promote healthy relationships in our community!

Please contact Helen Ann Lawless (hlawless@smcm.edu) with any questions.