During domestic violence awareness events this month, UB students will have many opportunities to take part in events aimed at celebrating those who break free of violence, mourning those who have died because of it, and helping those who strive to put an end to it.
"Domestic violence knows no economic, ethnic or social boundaries. It is a problem in all communities regardless of race, religion, geographic location, or sexual orientation," said Ellen Christensen, who directs the health center and coordinates events surrounding Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Christensen said the purpose of the month's events is to raise community awareness about domestic violence and help curb an increase of future attacks.
"Everyone has the right to live a violence-free life," she said.
Throughout the month, each event held will address different aspects of domestic violence. Last Sunday, the 15th annual Linda Yalem Memorial Run saw over 1,000 participants turn out to remember a UB student who was raped and killed on the Ellicott bike path.
"One of every four college women will be raped," Christensen said, stressing the event's aim to educate and heighten awareness of personal safety and sexual violence. "Eighty percent of those rapes are committed by dates or acquaintances and 80 percent also involve the use of alcohol or other recreational drugs."
Take Back the Night, another annual event designed to educate, takes place on Oct. 21 at 9 p.m. in Harriman Hall on South Campus. Sponsored by the Anti-Rape Task Force and the Erie County Coalition Against Family Violence, Take Back the Night will feature a street march followed by a candlelight vigil where students will speak out against sex crimes, Christensen said.
Sorority and fraternity members are encouraged to wear their letters and athletes to don their uniforms, while other students should dress in UB attire, Christensen said.
"The public has the image that Greek organizations and athletes condone sexual violence. By showing their support and attending Take Back the Night, it negates that myth," Christensen said.
Erin Quackenbush, a senior communications major, said she plans to attend Take Back the Night because of the event's importance.
"I'm definitely going to attend Take Back the Night," she said. "It's just as important to be educated about the dangers of domestic violence as it is to be actively involved in the pursuit of ending it."
On Oct. 30 at Spot Coffee, the fifth annual Spotlight on Domestic Violence will have live bands performing from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and free kids' activities from noon to 4 p.m. The daylong event is co-sponsored by the Erie County Coalition Against Family Violence, the YWCA of Buffalo and Spot Coffee.
Christensen emphasized the need for people to get the word out if any progress is going to be made in the fight against domestic violence.
To help with getting that word out, "Operation Door Hanger" will kick off tomorrow at 1p.m. at the Gloria Parks Community Center. The plan is to hang tags full of emergency numbers and contact information on 3,500 doors in the University Heights area.
"Getting the word out and information into peoples' hands is imperative," Christensen said.
On Oct. 14, there is also the Domestic Violence Awareness Dinner, which Christensen said she hopes will increase understanding about the consequences and signs of domestic violence. The event will also celebrate those who work to end violence.
"The Lucia Award will also be presented to an individual whose activities best represent the dedication and unselfish devotion of their time and efforts in providing services to improve the lives of domestic victims and their children in Erie and Niagara Counties," Christensen said.
Lisa Bloch Rodwin, an Erie County domestic violence prevention official, is the featured guest speaker of the event, which is being held at Hispanics United of Buffalo.
