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Liberty University observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The Liberty University Freedom Tower lights up purple for Domestic Violence Awareness Month on October 19, 2023. (Photo by Chase Gyles)

Throughout the month of October, Liberty University is observing Domestic Violence Awareness Month with opportunities for the university community to join together for awareness, education, and prevention, as well as to support those affected by the pervasive issue. On Thursday, Oct. 17, known as Purple Thursday, the Freedom Tower will be lit in purple, the color designated for the cause across the nation, and students, faculty, and staff are invited to participate by wearing purple.

On Oct. 29, representatives will be on hand to talk with students about local community resources. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the main floor of the Montview Student Union, students can meet with staff from Liberty’s Office of Equity & Compliance (OEC), the Lynchburg Police Department, and the YWCA’s Domestic Violence Prevention Program about raising awareness and support services for survivors of sexual and domestic violence, stalking, harassment, and trafficking.

Liberty’s efforts are being led by the OEC, which facilitates a safe and supportive environment for students to speak boldly against domestic and dating violence and a neutral place to report any circumstance about these topics.

“Domestic violence is not just a personal issue; it’s a public health crisis that impacts individuals, families, and entire communities,” Senior Vice President of University Compliance Ashley Reich said. “By wearing purple and speaking with local services this month, Liberty’s students, faculty, and staff will learn how to be a healthy bystander, how to help intervene, and what resources are available for those who are experiencing domestic violence. By coming together as a community, we can create a safer environment for everyone and support those who are affected by domestic violence.”

Purple was chosen to represent domestic violence because it carries a distinguished reputation for the survivors who wear it, showing that not only did they survive the battle of abuse but they fought with honor, courage, freedom, and the power to end future violence.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), one in four women and one in nine men experience severe intimate partner physical violence. Beyond physical abuse, domestic violence encompasses emotional, psychological, and financial abuse, making it crucial to understand its many forms.

The OEC office is located in DeMoss Hall 1232, an area of main campus that is readily accessible to students. To contact the OEC, email oec@liberty.edu or call (434) 592-4999.

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