Shining a Light in the Shadows: Liberty University observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Throughout October, Liberty University is observing Domestic Violence Awareness Month — a yearly call to confront one of society’s quietest yet most pervasive crises: intimate partner violence. Across campuses, communities, and advocacy networks, the month provides an opening for survivors, allies, and institutions to speak, listen, and act.

Congress officially recognized the month in 1989. Katie Garlow, Liberty’s director of education for Liberty’s Ethics & Compliance Office of Education, said the purpose is to bring visibility to survivors who often suffer in isolation; to educate the public about red flags and resources; to mobilize institutions to bolster prevention, response, and accountability; and to remember lives lost to intimate partner abuse.

“Across the country, many survivors do not know where to turn. They fear retaliation or doubt their claims will be believed,” said Garlow. “The visible presence of programming helps break silence, reduce stigma, and show survivors they are not alone.”

All year long, Liberty’s Office of Equal Rights & Title IX (under Ethics & Compliance) serves as a neutral reporting body with clear paths for disclosure and support.

During the month, the Ethics & Compliance Office of Education has organized activities for the community to get involved. On Purple Thursday — this Thursday, Oct. 16 — students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to wear purple to show support for survivors of domestic violence, raise awareness, honor victims, and speak boldly against domestic and dating violence. Additionally, Liberty’s Freedom Tower will be lit up that night in purple. The color purple symbolizes peace, courage, survival, and dedication to ending domestic abuse.

Students can visit the office’s table in the Montview Student Union on Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Each day will feature purple ribbon giveaways and a chalk wall where students can leave a note of encouragement.

“Domestic Violence Awareness Month provides an annual opportunity to shine a light on the shadows created by abuse,” Garlow said. “But it’s up to all of us — institutions, communities, and individuals — to keep that light burning. Whether you’re a student, staff or faculty member, neighbor, policymaker, or survivor, there are many steps you can take.”

Garlow listed the following ways to stay informed and offer help:

• Listen to abuse victims without judgment and offer support
• Educate yourself on red flags and signs of abuse
• Support local services by donating and volunteering
• Advocate for system change by actively voting and participating in legislation
• Practice prevention in your own life by modeling healthy communication, boundaries, and respect
• Check in on friends and neighbors

The Ethics & Compliance Office of Equal Rights & Title IX is located in DeMoss Hall 1232, an area of main campus that is readily accessible to students. To contact the office, email ert@liberty.edu or call (434) 592-4999.

If you or someone you know is experiencing dating or domestic violence, please submit a report to the Office of Equal Rights & Title IX by clicking here.