Domestic violence programs set out to raise dialogue
By Tasia Endo
In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, organizations across campus are offering a lineup of events that explore various aspects of domestic violence.
According to the Office of Student Life, which is one of the main contributors to the events promoting Domestic Violence Awareness, 12 incidents of sexual assault, six of dating violence and one of stalking were reported during the 2005-2006 school year.
As an addendum, student life notes that these are among the most under reported crimes.
"The most compelling aspect of the Domestic Violence Awareness Month program is raising awareness," said Anton Zanotto, interim president of 1 in 4, the sexual assault peer education group for men. "By encouraging discourse, we are able to destigmatize the issue of domestic violence, and encourage people to speak out."
The first on-campus event to kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month was "Sex Signals," the quasi-improvisational and interactive comedy show that acted out scenes between men and women where assumptions about gender, sex and consent come into play.
All freshmen attended, otherwise having to face fines, and about 200 upperclassmen saw last Tuesday's performance, which literally set the stage for the rest of the domestic violence awareness programs this month.
"As seen in 'Sex Signals,' domestic violence happens more often than we would know, and we wouldn't even realize it," said junior Anna Grudsky.
Many of the events following "Sex Signals" continue that aim of fostering discussion, revolving around issues beyond gender, including homosexuality and ethnic diversity.
Last Wednesday, the "Love and Justice Project," sponsored by Gay and Straight People for the Education of Diversity (GASPED) and the Community United Against Violence in San Francisco, discussed relationship abuse within the queer community during an hour-long session held in Kennedy Commons.
The domestic violence awareness program features resources for survivors and friends of survivors as well.
The Ignatian Center and the Wellness Center will continue discussion by hosting "Survivors Speak" in Sobrato Commons next Tuesday, where survivors, family and friends can share their experiences and speak out against this often unspoken issue.
Also for survivors and their supporters, representatives from Counseling and Psychological Services, along with the English department and engineering, will provide a therapeutic writing workshop on Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. called "Writing for Recovery."
Offering expertise from their respective disciplines, participants will learn techniques about therapy through writing.
In Kennedy Commons, the Center for Student Leadership and the Unity RLC will host "Is Dating Violence Color Blind?" next Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. This event offers an opportunity for students to discuss the influence of differing cultures on relationships.
Ongoing events this month are the cell phone collection and clothes drive, both housed in the Santa Clara Community Action Program office in Benson Center 15.
In the cell phone collection, old but functional cell phones will go to domestic violence survivors and victims who can use the phones as access for calling 911. Plans can be added to the phones, and even when service is not being paid for, it is still possible to dial and connect to 911.
SCCAP is also collecting new clothes, underwear, and toiletries for the HomeSafe Shelter in Santa Clara. Donations will go to the battered women and their children who go to HomeSafe domestic violence service agencies for emergency shelter or support.
If you can't find the time to participate in any of the Domestic Violence Awareness Month events, you can still take notice of the purple ribbons and posters around campus.
"I hope that Domestic Violence Awareness Month further encourages discussion of violence issues and gender roles," said Zanotto.
"Only through this discussion and the subsequent attitude changes do I believe true change can occur."
Contact Tasia Endo at tendo@scu.edu.