UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Penn State and community partners are working throughout the month to raise awareness around this important issue and to provide opportunities for the Penn State community to engage in prevention efforts and show support for survivors.
The theme for this year is "#1 Thing," highlighting that change can start with a person’s single action and that the collective of a communities’ "one things" can lead to a social transformation.
“The Gender Equity Center’s mission is to educate the campus community, provide resources to help prevent sexual violence, and support students who have been impacted by sexual violence, relationship violence, stalking, harassment and other campus climate issues,” said Sophia Mills, program coordinator of outreach and prevention of Penn State’s Gender Equity Center, a unit in the division of Student Affairs. “The Gender Equity Center will be hosting multiple events to commemorate Domestic Violence Awareness Month and to educate about domestic violence issues.”
This month’s events include:
Clothesline Project T-Shirt Making
Create a shirt to be displayed around campus as part of the Clothesline Project for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
- Sept. 26, 6-8 p.m., HUB-Robeson Center, LL011
- Sept. 28, 3-5 p.m., Pasquerilla Center Lobby
- Sept. 29, 1-3 p.m., HUB-Robeson Center, Room 21
Individuals attending the Commonwealth Campuses, Penn State World Campus, or who want to participate virtually, can join with instructions and templates online.
‘Alice, Darling’ Film Screening
Oct. 5, 5 p.m., HUB-Robeson Center Flex Theatre
Watch the film "Alice, Darling" and join in a moderated discussion afterwords. Please note: This film depicts psychological abuse and self-harm; Gender Equity Center staff will be available to debrief and offer support.
The Empowerment of Magic: Featuring Keynote Speaker Jon Dorenbos with Elements of Magic
Oct. 18, 6:30 p.m., HUB-Robeson Center Heritage Hall
Former NFL football player and "America’s Got Talent" finalist, professional magician Jon Dorenbos will perform his magic for the audience and discuss his difficult childhood, impacted tragically by domestic violence.
Purple Thursday – Oct. 19
Purple is the recognized awareness color for domestic violence. Purple Thursday aims to raise awareness about intimate partner violence and domestic violence by highlighting support for survivors and efforts to reduce the stigma, advocate for survivors, and work for greater safety and equity for victim survivors.
Community members are invited to wear or decorate their spaces in purple on Oct. 19 and to share pictures on social media tagging "@pennstategeneq".
The Gender Equity Center will have a table in the HUB on Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for anyone interested in wearing a purple ribbon or a Purple Thursday button.
Clothesline Project Display
Oct. 9–27, Pasquerilla Spiritual Center, Pattee and Paterno Library, Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity, Paul Robeson Cultural Center, Pollock Commons Cultural Lounge, the IM Building and more
This in-person display amplifies the voices of those silenced by violence and sends a powerful message of support for victim survivors among our campus community. View shirts made by Penn State community members, providing words of support for survivors, sharing stories of personal experiences, and promoting messages taking a stand against power-based personal violence.
To view virtual Clothesline Project submissions, individuals can view the gallery on the Gender Equity Center’s website.
'Empty Place at the Table'
All month long in 222U Boucke Building
There will be a place setting waiting for someone to take a seat in Boucke 222U. A part of Centre Safe’s annual "Empty Place at the Table" awareness project, in which the setting serves as a reminder on the impact of domestic violence in Centre County. The display will offer opportunities to learn about victims’ stories and honor their lives.
This month's events are hosted by the Gender Equity Center and co-sponsored by many areas, including Campus Recreation, Counseling and Psychological Services, Centre Safe, the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity, the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Development, Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Development and Enrichment for Intercollegiate Athletics, Paul Robeson Cultural Center, Residence Life, Rock Ethics Institute, the University Libraries, and the University Park Undergraduate Association.
For more information on domestic violence and ways to get involved in prevention efforts, visit studentaffairs.psu.edu/genderequity.
Follow the Gender Equity Center on Facebook and Instagram using @PennStateGenEq to stay up to date. Join the Gender Equity Center listserv by e-mailing skm5679@psu.edu.