UTM’s Verna B. Coleman Center for Women and Gender Equality is hosting various events in the upcoming months to raise awareness about domestic violence.
Domestic violence is defined as abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain control over another intimate partner. Different forms of abuse are represented in this definition including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, and more.
The first event for the month of October is the Hawk Walk for Domestic Violence Oct. 8, at noon in front of the Administration building. Fellow participants will walk around the quad with UTM Chancellor Dr. Keith Carver to raise awareness about the issue. The walk is dedicated to those effected by domestic violence.
“Colleges are like small towns. We have 7,296 students and around 900 faculty and staff members. Societal lows like domestic violence are possible anywhere to anybody, and anything we can do to call attention to the issue is a step in the right direction to helping people better understand it,” Carver said when asked about the importance of domestic violence awareness.
“We are really happy to partner with Weakley County and the WRAP program to bring awareness to matter.”
The Women’s Center will host a discussion forum titled “Is this Abuse? Is this Healthy?” Oct. 22. This session is focused on recognizing healthy and unhealthy characteristics in relationships. This event will be held at 4 p.m. in the Women’s Center located in the library room 255.
The Center will close out October’s event with the “In Her Shoes” Simulation Oct. 24, at 7 p.m. in the University Center, Room 206. In this activity, participants will make choices as a person experiencing an abusive relationship. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/yxna642o.
The Women’s Center is located in room 255 in the Paul Meek Library. Their hours are Monday through Friday, 1-5 p.m.
For more information about the organization and to get a detailed calendar of events for the semester, visitwww.utm.edu/departments/wcenter/index.php or call (731) 881-1658.
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