This October, the Gender Resource and Advocacy Center (GRAC) and the Sexual Assault Response Advocates (SARAs) will recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) at PNCA and on the Salem campus. We invite you to consider your role in ending violence this month and always.
Every October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month unites advocates and survivors across the nation. In October 1981, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence organized a national “Day of Unity,” which evolved into what we now know as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Congress officially recognized Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1989.
Our focus here at Willamette is on not only raising awareness of domestic violence and intimate partner violence, but also on encouraging all Willamette students to build healthy relationships. At PNCA, the community will work together to create a collective art piece about healthy relationships. The SARAs are putting together some great events on the Salem campus throughout the month. You will find those listed on the Today@Willamette’s “Things to Do” page and on our social media. Our Instagram and Facebook will also highlight many aspects of healthy relationships, setting boundaries, and what to watch out for as possible “red flags” in relationships.
Every person at Willamette has an important role to play in ending intimate partner violence. If you would like to participate in the GRAC’s overall violence prevention plan, participate in a group of folks who identify as men that will explore masculinity, add songs to the GRAC's DVAM playlist, or volunteer to help organize events and efforts in the future, reach out to Lisa Logan at ljlogan@willamette.edu.