Events promote domestic violence awareness in October

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and MNSU has many events for students to participate in. But as October draws to a close, we’ve only a few left.
From Oct. 16 to Oct. 27 students can participate in the Clothesline Project.

“The Clothesline Project addresses the issue of violence against women by inviting participants to decorate T-shirts in honor or memory of victims and survivors,” Laura Schultz, assistant director of the Violence Awareness and Response Program, said. “These shirts are hung on a clothesline to be viewed by others as testimony to the reality of violence against women and others.”
Students who would still like to participate in the Clothesline Project can head over to the CSU.

The next event is on Oct. 26, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., is the Vigil for Victims and Survivors.

“The event is intended for the community to come together in opposition to hate, abuse and violence and support the strong, indelible, resilient minds and hearts of victims and survivors,” said Schultz.

The event is being held around the fountain by the CSU mall. All are welcome to attend both of these events. Laura Schultz also wants the students of MNSU to know that there will be more events in April, which is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. All are welcome to attend those events as well.

Along with those events, one can also visit the Violence Awareness and Response Program and talk with Schultz if they need to.

“We always welcome anyone to our office,” said Schultz.

The office shares a space with the Women’s Center on the second floor of the CSU, room 218.

The program has three main goals: programming, education, and confidential advocacy.

“Our programming includes all sorts of different things, but centers around intimate partner/domestic violence and sexual violence,” Schultz said.

If this month stirs up any bad memories or feelings, students can always visit her in the office to talk, or at any other time.

“If a survivor is reading this, I want them to know they are not alone,” said Schultz. “There is help for them and that I believe them. I would love to meet them and help them identify their personal path of healing.”

Schultz also wants survivors to know that if they do not feel comfortable meeting in the office or on campus, they can contact her and she is more than willing to meet off campus.

Anyone experiencing domestic violence should know that they are not alone, that it is not an isolated incident. Many men and women experience domestic violence. Students can get help and heal, and Schultz offers her services to anyone who might need them.

Let October remind you that if you are experiencing this type of violence, you can get help and you are strong. And to remember anyone who was lost to domestic violence. We should join together on months like these to try to bring awareness to domestic violence and try to put an end to it.