October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), and this is a time dedicated to an issue that affects millions of people worldwide. But…how did DVAM come to be, and why is it so important?

Well, DVAM started in 1981 as a “Day of Unity” and was created by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV). The goal of this was to unite advocates across the country who were working to end violence against women and their families. Over time, that single day evolved into an entire month of awareness, education, and advocacy.

Then in 1987, DVAM was officially recognized as a national month of observance. This was also the same year the first national domestic violence toll-free hotline was established, making it easier for survivors to seek help. Since then, DVAM has grown into a movement aimed at breaking the silence around domestic violence,
advocating for stronger protections, and providing resources for survivors.

The history behind DVAM is definitely a reminder of how far we’ve come but also how much work still needs to be done. Domestic violence isn’t just a personal issue—it’s a societal one. By raising awareness and starting conversations, we can help create a world where everyone feels safe both in their homes and relationships.

Now every October, you may see purple worn or displayed to show solidarity with survivors and to remember those who have lost their lives to domestic violence. But awareness is only part of the solution. We also need to push for change year-round by supporting policies and organizations that help survivors, educating ourselves
and others and challenging the norms that allow abuse to persist. So, while DVAM is a time to come together and focus on this critical issue, let’s carry that energy forward, keeping the conversation going and continuing the fight for a world free from domestic violence and abuse.

If you or someone you love is in need of support due to domestic violence, please reach out to: Domestic Violence Support | National Domestic Violence Hotline (thehotline.org)

April 14th through April 20th is STI Awareness Week! As a part of this week, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) encourages individuals to get screen for Sexually Transmitted Infections as a part of their regular health care routine.

Chlamydia and gonorrhea remain the most common STIs. “Teens and young adults across all demographic groups are most impacted by chlamydia and gonorrhea, with Black Michiganders being disproportionately affected compared to white Michiganders. Syphilis continues to increase at an alarming rate throughout the state. (MDHHS, April 15, 2024).

Local Testing Options:

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (also known as SAAM). During the month of April, groups and organizations across the country hold events to raise awareness for and acknowledge the impact that sexual assault has on those within our and other communities.

Want to know what our campus is doing during this month? Check out our Awareness Months page for more information.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) begins in April. During SAAM, different groups and organizations hold events to raise awareness for and acknowledge the impact that sexual assault has on those within our and other communities. A Speak out, which will be hosted on Denim Day (Wednesday, April 24), is an annual event with the mission of ending sexual, relationship, and domestic violence in all forms. The Speak out allows victims and survivors of gender-based violence and intimate-partner violence the space to share their experiences and/or pieces of writing or art to empower themselves and raise awareness of the issue in a supportive, “off-the-record” environment.

 Anyone is welcome to share their experiences. If you wish to participate, please reach out to either Abbigail McMillian or Haley Mangette (contact information included at the end of this post). Due to the nature of this subject, there is also the option for survivors to anonymously share their experiences to be read out. You can submit your pieces at Anonymous Submissions.

We will also be offering a series of confidential writing workshops that offer a safe and mediated space to put their experiences into words. Check out @kc_s.p.e.a.k on Instagram for more information.

If you have any questions, please contact Abbigail.McMillian20@kzoo.edu (student) or Haley.Mangette@kzoo.edu (staff member). 

Thank you for your time.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. As part of this month, the Office of Sexual Violence Prevention, in partnership with other department and groups across campus, is putting on events to contribute to efforts of awareness and advocacy for survivors of sexual assault. Annually, the Office of Sexual Violence Prevention and Advocacy organizes a group of students to help plan Take Back the Night and other events during the month of April. Take Back the Night (TBTN) is a worldwide movement bring awareness to sexual violence and support victim-survivors of this violence.

If you are interested in helping plan Take Back the Night or for questions, please contact Haley Mangette, haley.mangette@kzoo.edu. 

Join us tonight, April 26th, at 7 p.m. in the lower quad for the Take Back the Night Speak Out. The Speak Out is an annual event with the mission of ending sexual, relationship, and domestic violence in all forms. The Speak out allows victims and survivors of gender-based violence and intimate-partner violence to share their stories and/or pieces of writing or art to empower themselves and raise awareness of the issue in a supportive, “off-the-record” space.

As audience member, please respect the following guideline when in attendance:

1. While we invite open expression, we do ask that everyone be respectful to others in the audience. Please feel free to leave the space and visit one of the debriefing spaces offered around campus.   

2. The speak out is “off the record”, meaning that no reports will be made of any of the stories.   

3. No “photography” unless the speaker specifically gives permission for their image to be used.  

4. Although this space aims to provide a supportive environment, anyone can attend this event. Please do not assume all individuals in the audience are allies.   

5. To respect the survivors speaking, please maintain discretion over the information you hear. Please do not repeat it, post online, or gossip about it.  

6. Those who exhibit behavior against the mission of the event will be asked to leave the area.