Domestic Awareness Month 

By Amy Lukac

Opinion Editor

 

October is finally here: the month is all about change; the trees change color, the weather starts to turn brisk and Domestic Abuse Awareness is put into full gear.

October is the month that focuses on raising awareness to push change towards women and men in violent relationships.

Here at ESU, the Women’s Resource Center of Monroe County put a table outside of the Student Union and provided everyone with information about domestic violence and upcoming events.

The Women’s Resource Center is located at 225 J. Wilson Drive, Delaware Water Gap, PA. The center provides have six programs: a 24-hour crisis hotline, shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, educational programs/events, and hospital accompaniment.

According to ncadv.org, every nine seconds in the US, a women is assaulted or beaten; on average nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. On average, one in three women and one in four men have been victims of physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime and on a typical day, there are more than 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide.

On Sunday, Oct. 25 there will be an event called “Run To End Violence,” which is a 5k race/walk to benefit Women’s Resource of Monroe County, Inc.

Registration is at 8 a.m. and the race will begin at 9 a.m. It is located at Pleasant Valley School District Athletic Stadium in Brodheadsville, PA.

If you’re interested in participating, or interested in being a sponsor, contact Lauren Peterson at 570-424-2093 ext. 24, or email her at lpeterson@wrmonroe.org. You can also visit their website, wrmonroe.org/5k.

Their mission is to end domestic violence and sexual violence for all women, children and men in our community.

In support, the V.O.I.C.E. Center here at ESU will be painting the campus purple on Thursday, Oct. 23. To participate, wear purple to show support for victims and survivors of domestic violence.

Stop by the V.O.I.C.E. Center table that day outside of the Student Union from noon to 3 p.m. You will receive an awareness ribbon, gain resources, and having the opportunity to show your support.

Want to show support AND possibly win a $20 Target giftcard at the same time? Take a selfie telling the Women’s Resource Center why YOU are saying “No More.” Just follow these 4 easy steps: fill out a “No More” pledge, take a selfie with the pledge, post to Instagram with #StandwithWRMC, #TakeAStand, and tag @wrmonroe, and lastly, tell your friends.

Domestic Violence is problem that the Women’s Resource believes more people should be made aware of. They want you to know that it’s happening around us everywhere. Women are stuck and afraid to leave the relationships, or they’re simply in denial. If you’re questioning your friend’s relationship the slightest, keep an eye out for warning signs. If you’re in a violent relationship, take a stand for yourself. Call the hotline: 570-421-4200. Be a hero to someone or yourself.

Email Amy at:

alukac@live.esu.edu