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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October 11, 2021

Domestic violence does not discriminate. Domestic violence affects people all over the world including our NIU community. It takes all of us to help prevent violence and create a safe and healthy community.

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a monthlong opportunity to raise awareness and give voice to a subject that is hidden. “Domestic violence is like an iceberg; there is so much more going on below the surface,” said Allison Hurlburt, prevention program coordinator, NIU Office of Academic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “Showing our support for survivors and our intolerance of the abuse helps create a safe and healthy community.”

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors that are used to control a partner in a relationship. In the U.S., an average of 20 people experience intimate partner physical violence every minute. This physical violence is often accompanied by emotionally abusive behaviors, contributing to a larger, systemic problem with violence and control.

During this month, Prevention Education and Outreach is collaborating with campus and community partners for events and programming. Prevention Education and Outreach is partnering with Safe Passage, DeKalb County’s domestic violence and rape crisis center, to put on an event called SurvivArt. This event will use art as a form of awareness and self-care. Prevention Education and Outreach will also host a self-care and peer support workshop during the month of October.

Visit the NIU events calendar for a list of the events and descriptions.