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Vigil acknowledges domestic violence statistics

Intense winds and fiercely blowing leaves did not distract volunteers from tightly gripping the signs they held Monday afternoon. But their dedication was overshadowed by the grim message on the signs they held.

For nearly two hours, a small group of people stood in the Free Forum Area across from Anthony Hall with statistics to remind passers-by that domestic violence and sexual assault happen "every hour of everyday."

Volunteers took shifts, holding yellow signs with sexual assault statistics that showed the average number of domestic violence and sexual assault incidents that take place in the nation every hour.

"I looked over because of the people standing there, but it's the numbers that really caught my attention," said Jodi Golden, a graduate student studying public administration from Danville. "It brings a reality to domestic abuse by showing students the number of times these things happen not just every day but also by the hour."

The silent vigil was the first in a week of events taking place during Women's Safety Week. The events include a video presentation, poetry readings and a march. Monday's vigil and tonight's video entitled, "Spinning the Bottle" are both first-time events during the week.

On Wednesday, the center will give attendants the opportunity to express their feelings about domestic violence during the "Speakout," a chance for attendants to express themselves through poetry, at Longbranch Coffeehouse, 100 E. Jackson. The week will end with a display of the Clothesline Project on Thursday and the Take Back the Night March Friday.

All of the events, whether participants speak out or remain silent, aim to acknowledge the issues of sexual assault and domestic violence.

As the silent vigil provided students with statistics, Lydia Waligorski, a volunteer coordinator for the Women's Center, gathered information from students. Waligorski administered surveys titled, "Is your relationship all that?" She said the true or false survey was designed not to acknowledge the obvious signs of domestic violence but behavior that may lead to domestic violence in the future.

"I wanted more people to stop by and not associate the Women's Center with what we do," Waligorski said. "I wanted to ask questions that most people wouldn't I.D. as having to deal with domestic violence, but things that may be a precursor."

Each October, which is recognized as the National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Women's Center sponsors a week of events related to the subjects.

Ami Lilley, rape crisis coordinator for the center said the organization of events is always a collaborative effort among workers and staff. She said participation varies depending on factors including weather and publicity of the event.

"It's really just an overwhelming experience to take part in the "Take Back the Night March," the speak out or the clothesline because there is so much energy and so much emotion," Lilley said. "Even for someone who is a staunch supporter and works against domestic violence, it is difficult to describe unless you are actually participating or taking part in the events."

LIST OF EVENTS

Tuesday: Spin the Bottle," a film by Jackson Katz at 7 p.m. in Morris Library Room 325

Wednesday: Speakout at Longbranch Coffeehouse at 5:30 p.m.

Thursday: The Clothesline project display at Faner Breezeway from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Friday: "Take Back the Night" March meeting at the Interfaith Center at 7 p.m.

 

 

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