Valdosta State University Observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month

VALDOSTA -- Approximately one in four women will experience domestic violence in her life, according to the Domestic Violence Resource Center. On average, at least three women and one man are murdered by their significant others every day in theUnited States. A national survey of American families revealed that 50 percent of men who abuse their wives also abuse their children. 

With these alarming statistics in mind, Valdosta State University’s Women’s and Gender Studies (WGST) program will host a series of events throughout the month in support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness and stop domestic violence from happening in homes, neighborhoods, workplaces and schools. 

During the month, WGST students, faculty and staff will be distributing purple ribbons and information around campus as part of the Purple Ribbon Campaign, which raises awareness about Domestic Violence/Intimate Partner Violence. The purple ribbon has been adopted across the country by families and friends of victims to remember and honor loved ones who have lost their lives at the hands of a person they once loved and trusted. 

Listed below are upcoming ways for the VSU community to get involved. 

The Clothesline Project, Oct. 8 - 12 

Pedestrian Mall, VSU Campus 

The Clothesline Project is visual display that bears witness to the violence against women.During the public display, a clothesline is hung with shirts. Each shirt is decorated to represent a particular woman's experience, by the survivor herself or by someone who cares about her. The shirts were made by VSU students in honor of someone they know and love, including themselves. 

The Handprint Project, Oct. 23 - 25 

Pedestrian Mall, VSU Campus 

The Handprint Project is a way for men to join the dialogue about violence against women.This project allows men to take a pledge to not commit or condone violence and to seal the pledge by placing their painted or cut-out handprint and name on a display board. After they do this, they are given a fact sheet on what they pledged and information on violence against women. 

For more information about these events, please visit ww2.valdosta.edu/womenstudies or call 229-249-4842.