When her friend confided in her that they were afraid of their partner, she didn’t know what to do. Should she offer advice, try to help them leave or was there someone else she should tell?
It’s a dilemma many college students could face as they experience living on their own for the first time, faced with unfamiliar choices and often away from their trusted support networks. The emotional weight of these situations can be overwhelming, leaving students feeling isolated and uncertain.
According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, more than half of college students say they wouldn’t know how to identify dating abuse or what steps to take to help someone who is a victim of abuse.
And yet, the risk is all too prevalent. The most common age range for intimate partner abuse is 18-24 years old. Nearly one in three college women report experiencing an abusive relationship, and 43% have endured violent or abusive dating behaviors.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which occurs every October, aims to bring attention to domestic violence, and support victims and survivors. At Oregon State University, the Center for Advocacy, Prevention and Education works to provide answers and support to survivors of gender-based violence year-round, with special events and fundraisers occurring this month for DVAM.
Throughout the year, CAPE offers a range of services to students, including confidential survivor advocacy, help with protective orders, and access to resources like legal aid and emergency housing.
During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, CAPE ramps up its outreach with a number of special events designed to engage students and spread awareness.
So far this month, students have participated in a trivia night and an “American Dream with an Advocate” event, where they shared pizza and met with members of CAPE’s Advocacy Team. The advocates’ role is to provide survivors of gender-based violence with personal support and guidance navigating the available resources for their unique circumstances, on their own terms.
Allison Wilson, director of CAPE, said in an email, “What we know is that survivors are the EXPERT on their situation – they know what is the right decision based on experience and need to be trusted to be in charge of choosing what they decide to do.”
Most recently, students enjoyed the DVAM Activity Fair on Oct. 17, which featured various booths and activities. One activity featured at the fair, in partnership with Heartland Humane, instructed students on creating felt pet toys and bandanas in purple — the color used to symbolize domestic violence awareness.
To finish out the month, CAPE hosted a fundraising event at Chipotle on Monroe Avenue on Oct. 23, where a portion of the proceeds were donated to support survivors in the OSU community.
For those unable to attend any of the events but who still wanting to support DVAM, donation bins located at the Memorial Union and Student Health Services are collecting items during the month of October for CAPE’s Corvallis partner, the Center Against Rape & Domestic Violence.
Wilson explained why it’s important to connect domestic violence survivors to advocates, especially to prevent further harm.
“Most domestic violence related homicides, and severe assaults, happen when someone is leaving, or trying to leave, the relationship. This is why connecting survivors to advocates who can help them navigate (to) safety as they choose what is next is so important,” Wilson said.
CAPE offers immediate support to survivors from Monday to Friday, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. They can be reached by calling their confidential phone line at 541-737-2030, emailing [email protected], or walking into their office located at the Student Experience Center at 2251 SW Jefferson Way during business hours.
Additionally, individuals can submit an appointment request form through the CAPE website at cape.oregonstate.edu. For urgent assistance, CARDV, the local community partner, operates a 24/7 Crisis & Support Hotline at 541-754-0110, and they also provide online chat services available through their website at cardv.org.
More resources:
— National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) – Offers 24/7 support, information, and resources for individuals affected by domestic violence.
— National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) – Provides support and resources for survivors of sexual assault.
— National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) – Offers 24/7 crisis support for anyone in distress
