Domestic Awareness Violence Awareness Month Events Planned at WWU

Western Washington University is hosting events throughout the month of October in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM).

Each year, domestic violence impacts millions of people, including those within our own community, but it is preventable. Social change happens when we collectively unify our efforts, and each of our individual efforts do make a difference.  

Western’s DVAM events will honor survivors and encourage people to take action to end domestic violence. Western has adopted the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence’s One Thing campaign: #1ThingWWU. The one thing that will end domestic violence is our collective power.

“Together our community can end domestic violence. It starts with believing and supporting survivors and standing up against harmful attitudes and beliefs that condone violence. By participating in DVAM events this month and signing the #1THINGWWU pledge, each of us can work towards changing our culture and being part of the solution,” said Deidre Evans, violence prevention specialist and coordinator of CASAS, Western’s survivor advocacy services.

Melynda Huskey, vice president for Enrollment and Student Services, encouraged the entire campus community to become involved. “This is an opportunity for the whole Western community to come together around an issue that touches far too many lives. I hope that everyone can commit this month to one thing that helps to end domestic violence,” Huskey said.

Events during October, sponsored by CASAS, can be viewed at the WWU Prevention & Wellness website. Events include:

  • Kickoff in Red Square: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 3. Come sign your #1ThingWWU pledge and learn more about what you can do to end domestic violence. The first 200 people get free t-shirts.
  • Purple Thursdays: Thursday in October is Purple Thursday. Wear purple to show your support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and stop by Red Square table!
  • Clothesline Project: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 10. Outside, below the Library Skybridge. A visual display of personal testimonies by survivors of domestic violence and those who honor and support them. Bear witness and participate in this safe space to share stories and experiences.
  • Conflict Academy Workshops: 1 to 2:50 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, Miller Hall 15 and 2 to 3:50 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 22, in Miller Hall 15.  Conflict is a natural dynamic in relationships that arises from the need to reconcile differences. Learn practical strategies and skills for responding constructively to conflict in this informative, interactive workshop.
  • Healthy Queer Relationships, 4 to 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 23, Bond Hall 410. What is awesome about queer relationships? What do supportive, fun, and safe relationships look like? Come explore these questions and more in a CASAS-led workshop for students.
  • #HereToo Performance, 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 25, at Performing Arts Center 199 – DUG Theater. #HereToo is a company-created play that chronicles first-person experiences of gun violence survivors and the work of young activists across the United States. Tickets ($6 for students and $14 for non-students) are available by reservation and at the door.
  • Vigil in Red Square, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 29. Honoring survivors and those who have lost their lives to domestic violence.
  • Special Viking Game Nights:
  • Men’s Soccer, 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 12, home game.
  • Women’s Soccer, 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 15, home game.
  • Volleyball, 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 24.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month resources include: