In an effort to break the silence about domestic violence - an epidemic affecting individuals regardless of age, race, economic background, gender, sexual orientation or religion - the Wayne State President's Commission on the Status of Women (COSW) will host a series of events, activities and exhibits throughout October.
The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 1 in 3 women and more than 1 in 4 men in the United States have experienced rape, physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
"While domestic violence is prevalent in our society, it's an issue that people often don't address. We want to bring awareness to the issue and work with the campus community in preventing and eliminating it," said Sara Byczek, Ph.D., COSW Outreach Committee chair.
The following events are scheduled on Wayne State's main campus in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month:
Sept. 30
Clothesline Project
11 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Student Center Building, Hilberry A
Decorate a T-shirt to honor survivors and remember victims as part of the Clothesline Project. Supplies will be provided. The shirts will be displayed in the David Adamany Undergraduate Library throughout October.
Oct. 1- 31
Silent Witness Project
Individual, life-size red silhouettes representing men, women and children murdered in acts of domestic violence in the state of Michigan will be on display at various locations around campus. The goals of the Silent Witness Project include remembering and honoring those who lost their lives to domestic violence; awareness, advocacy and connecting people with successful programs to help end the violence; and reporting and demonstrating the effectiveness of intervention programs through data collection and presentation.
Oct. 13
NO MORE Photo Booth
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Gullen Mall
Take photos with the NO MORE sign and learn what you can do to support victims and efforts to end domestic violence and sexual assault. This event serves to remind everyone to continue the fight to end domestic violence and sexual assault by joining the NO MORE campaign.
Oct. 15
Body and Sold, and guest speaker Theresa Flores
6 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.)
Community Arts Auditorium
In an effort to increase awareness about the growing problem of sex trafficking, COSW, in partnership with the Soroptimist Group, will present a reading of Body and Sold. The play, written by Deborah Fortson, is based on real-life stories of young men and women who left home and were seduced, lured or kidnapped into a life of violence and prostitution. The stark honesty of the play strongly portrays the circumstances faced by sexually exploited youth. Following the performance will be a talk from activist Theresa Flores, founder of Save Our Adolescents from Prostitution (SOAP).