Throughout the month of October, Lycoming stands by survivors and victims of domestic abuse in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The College will host both educational and symbolic events to draw awareness toward the tragedies caused by domestic violence and the resources available to prevent it.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month developed from a similar event titled “Day of Unity” held in October of 1981. This month serves as a time to mourn victims, show support for survivors, and connect those who wish to put an end to domestic violence.
Lycoming College’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month begins with a Stand with Survivors wall posted in the dining hall. Students and faculty are encouraged to write supportive messages to be displayed to the entire campus in support of survivors of domestic violence.
The dining hall is also hosting Empty Place at the Table. During the second week of October, dining services is keeping a table in the middle of the dining hall set with a place for every person who has lost their life to domestic violence in Lycoming County. The plates are each inscribed with the name and life-span of each victim. Perhaps the most moving part of this demonstration is the children’s places at the head of the table.
Students, faculty, and staff will continue to draw awareness to domestic violence by wearing purple on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018. A picture will be taken of all those wearing purple on the quad at 11:45 a.m. Purple Thursday will also include an informational table set up in the foyer outside of the library. Here, students will have access to educational materials regarding domestic violence prevention.
Students can also access this information in the library. A rotation of fictional novels, published research, and response manuals about domestic violence will be displayed in the library until the end of the month. Informational tabling events, including one hosted by a preventative educator from Wise Options on Oct. 10, 2018, will be held intermittently during the rest of October.