Domestic Violence Awareness & Prevention: Healthy State October
Domestic Violence Awareness & Prevention is the focus of Healthy State October. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men have experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime. The Healthy State campaign for October will be feature The Red Flag Campaign – a public awareness campaign designed to address dating violence and promote the prevention of dating violence on college campuses. Through using the “bystander intervention” strategy, the campaign encourages friends and other campus community members to “say something” when they see warning signs (“red flags”) for dating violence in a friend’s relationship. Throughout October you can learn more & participate in this #HealthyStateGSU campaign by following #RedFlagsGSU on social media. Please consider submitting an image of yourself, with a red flag, and describing a red flag you see in unhealthy relationships.
Some examples the Red Flag Campaign uses to identify signs of a healthy relationship and red flags for dating violence include:
Signs of a Healthy Relationship Red Flags for Dating Violence
Communication – Shares thoughts & ideas Jealousy -Gets angry when partner spends time with other people
Trust – Dependable & believes partner Emotional Abuse – Constantly finds fault with partner
Boundaries – Respects personal limits & privacy Stalking – Sends unwanted messages directly or through others
Domestic violence impacts millions of people each year, but it can be prevented. It requires the collective voice and power of individuals, families, institutions, and systems – each whose “one thing” adds a valuable and powerful component to transforming our communities. That is why the October, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), the Healthy State program is also asking “What is the #1Thing you can do to end domestic violence?” “Many people care and understand that domestic violence is a serious public health problem. They want to do something but believe their actions can’t make a difference,” said Tammy Turner, Assistant Director of Student Wellness, “It feels overwhelming. But change can start with only #1Thing. Imagine if all 53,000 students at Georgia State University each commit to doing just #1Thing to stop domestic violence. Well, we could really see some serious social transformation.”
#1Thing you could do to address domestic violence – yes Panthers that is #1ThingPanthers:
- Be a caring and consistent adult in the life of a child
- Talk to loved ones about violence and oppression
- Create a culture of consent in your home
- Use social media to raise awareness among your peers – share your #1Thing by tagging @BeWellPanthers and using #1ThingPanthers
- Listen to and validate a survivor of trauma
Georgia State University students can sign an online pledge through PIN to identify the #1Thing #1ThingPanthers they can do to end domestic violence.
Student Victim Assistance offers crisis intervention, advocacy and support for students. Student Victim assistance can assist students to determine their options and provide information related to their experience, even if they have no idea what they need or what they intend to do, which is a normal response to trauma. Students who seek victim assistance services are not obligated to pursue criminal or university charges. Students who would like more information or would like to schedule an appointment to speak with Student Victim Assistance staff can call 404-413-1965. Staff also are here to help students who have experienced any type of recent or past victimization regain a sense of control over their traumatic experience, so that they may resume their academic and personal pursuits. Student Victim Assistance can help students who know someone who has been victimized or would like to learn more about student victimization.
