Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. As a University, we want to take this as an opportunity to educate our campus community on the issues of domestic violence, including promoting awareness and prevention.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) defines domestic violence as "a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. Domestic violence is physical, sexual, emotional, or psychological actions or threats that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, injure or wound someone."

Domestic violence affects individuals regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status, nationality or educational background. It can result in physical injury, psychological trauma, and even death. The consequences of domestic violence can cross generations and last a lifetime.

According to published Domestic Violence statistics:

• 1 in 4 people will experience domestic violence in their lifetime.
• About 1.3 million people are physically assaulted by an intimate partner each year.
• 85% of domestic violence victims are women.
• Females between the ages of 20-24 are at the greatest risk of nonfatal intimate partner violence.
• Domestic violence often goes unrecognized in men because incidents are rarely reported, little has been done to encourage men to report it, and male victims often experience gender-stereotyped treatment from professionals and services. Seeking help frequently leads to secondary victimization in the form of statements or behavior that causes further distress.

Domestic violence thrives on silence; but if we work together to destigmatize victimization, we can help put an end to domestic violence. Throughout the month of October, please take time to learn more about warning signs, reporting options and how to help.

Wear Purple
You can spread awareness no matter where you are. Wear purple -- the color of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. During October, use this as a way to show others why ending domestic violence is important to you! 

Franklin University offers counseling services through the My Student Support Program (My SSP) at 866.743.7732. For those located in Central Ohio, the University has a partnership with the Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio (SARNCO) and may be contacted at 614.267.7020. Additionally, confidential reports may be made here. 

If a situation is immediately life-threatening, always call 911.

On-Campus Resources: 

Brandon Perry Equity & Title IX Coordinator
614-947-6913
TitleIX@franklin.edu

The Department of Safety & Security Services
614-947-6902
security@franklin.edu

Reliance Standard Employee Assistance Program (Franklin University Employees)
855-RSL-HELP (855-775-4357)
rsli@acieap.com
rsli.acieap.com

National Resources: