USU Events in October Spotlight Domestic Violence

College students are not immune to domestic violence or its impacts. According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control, the majority of victims of intimate partner violence – or dating violence – first experience it before the age of 25.

Students, staff and faculty at Utah State University are spotlighting domestic violence throughout the month of October as part of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

“Most of our student population tends to be young and unmarried, but that doesn’t mean concerns about domestic violence aren’t relevant to them,” said Jenny Erazo, director of the Sexual Assault and Anti-Violence Information office. “People often think of domestic violence as only occurring in a marriage, but those behaviors can start when people are just becoming intimate as well.”

Domestic violence is abuse against a person that can include physical, sexual and emotional abuse, as well as threats of abuse. Domestic violence can result in physical disability, chronic pain and illness, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression, eating disorders, homelessness, suicide and homicide. According to data from the Utah Department of Health, between 2000 and 2011, there were 226 domestic violence-related homicides in Utah, averaging 19 deaths per year.

Members of the USU community have planned the following events for October to raise awareness of domestic violence and its impact on victims and society:

“Take a Stand Against Domestic Violence,” a pledge banner for students.
Oct. 10-12 | 11 a.m. – 1p.m. | TSC First Floor
A screening of “Children Next Door” provided by the Center for Women and Gender’s Perspectives Club.
Oct. 16 | 7 p.m. | Library 154
“Domestic Violence in Immigrant and Refugee Communities: Opportunities and Challenges for Practitioners,” a keynote address by Anna Blau and Laura Mora (both from the International Women’s House).
Oct. 16 | noon -1:30 p.m. | DE 012
Keynote doubleheader: A Gobal Perspective of Violence Against Women and Children:
- “A Breeze of Hope,” a keynote address by Brisa DeAngulo, founder and CEO of A Breeze of Hope Foundation. Oct. 16 | 5 p.m. | USU Old Main 225
- “Making A Difference: What We Do Matters,” a keynote address by Anna Blau and Laura Mora (both from the International Women’s House). Oct. 16 | 6 p.m. | USU Old Main 225
“The Clothesline Project:” an empowering display of T-shirts decorated by survivors of domestic violence in Cache Valley, sponsored by USU’s Sexual Assault and Anti-Violence Information office, the Center for Women and Gender, Counseling and Psychological Services, and Access and Diversity, as well as community-based partners The Family Place and Citizens Against Physical and Sexual Abuse.
Oct. 18-19 | all day | TSC International Lounge
A screening of “Private Violence” and a panel and discussion including USU’s Sexual Assault and Anti-Violence Information office and the USU Department of Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology, as well as community-based services Citizens Against Physical and Sexual Abuse and The Family Place.
Oct. 18 | 6 p.m. | TSC Auditorium
Domestic violence awareness booth provided by the Sexual Assault and Anti-Violence Information office.
Oct. 24-26 | 11 a.m. – 1p.m. | outside the Hub