Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is national Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). It is a month devoted to raising awareness of the societal issue of domestic violence (including dating, intimate partner, and relationship violence). We take this time to honor survivors of domestic violence and inspire people to take action to end domestic violence.
This month we are focused on promoting survivor resources, educating our community on how each of us can support survivors in our lives, while working on building a culture of care that is rooted in healthy relationships.
We encourage you to participate in the DVAM events listed below and follow our @bewellwwu Instagram account for more information.
Order a Survivor Self-Care Package
If you are a Western student and would like a Survivor Self-Care Package delivered to your address, please submit a request using the link below. Packages available while supplies last.
Each package includes:
- Contact card for Deidre Evans, WWU Survivor Advocate with Survivor Advocacy Services
- Survivor Self-Care Guide
- Survivor affirmation card
- Survivor support stickers
- Coloring pages and Play-Doh
Support for Western Students
Everyone deserves safe and loving relationships.
If you are a Western student who is experiencing or has experienced relationship abuse, sexual violence, stalking or harassment, you are not alone and support is available through Western's Survivor Advocacy Services.
We are here to support you and help you heal from your experiences of violence/abuse. This service is for Western students. We affirm people of all identities and lived experiences. Please note, you do not have to identify yourself as a survivor or use the terms violence/abuse to describe your experience or in order to receive support.
If you are a concerned friend, partner, or family member of a Western student, support is also available for you.
Survivor Advocacy Services for Western Students
Off-campus Support/Faculty and Staff Resources
If you are looking for an off-campus resource or you are not a Western student, support is available.
Survivor Support Group
The WWU Counseling and Wellness Center offers a support group for students who have experienced relationship abuse and/or sexual assault. It is available to and affirming of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities and aims to foster connections and support for one another in healing. If you are interested in joining, please contact Deidre Evans at 360-650-7982 or deidre.evans@wwu.edu.
Survivor Self-care Guide
There are many ways to feel, cope, and heal after experiencing sexual assault or an abusive relationship. Please feel free to download our Survivor Self-care Guide and use what resonates with you.
Be part of the solution by participating in DVAM events at Western throughout the month of October. Check back often for a list of upcoming events, and follow the @BeWellWWU account on Instagram for updates.
DVAM Resource Fair
Stop by our purple tables to learn about campus and community resources and promote healthy and safe relationships! Pick up a purple DVAM ribbon, consent stickers, Healthy Relationships checklist, and more. Free T-shirts available at our table while supplies last!
Purple Butterfly Project
Join in community on the 7th floor of the Viking Union to raise awareness about the additional challenges faced by survivors of intimate partner violence who are also impacted by immigration, through art. Purple is the color of domestic violence awareness and butterflies represent migration and movement across arbitrary political borders.
All members of the Western community are invited to share a message of support and care on a purple butterfly that will be displayed in the Multicultural Center starting on October 7th and throughout the month of October. From 10-2 student staff and volunteer from the Wellness Advocate program, Blue Resource Center, and La Plaza will be tabling and there will be free conchas and champurrado available!
We Are All Worthy of Healthy Relationships Resource Table
Stop by our table to participate in a red and green flag activity, pick up healthy relationships resources, and learn about support resources available to all students on campus.
Survivors Are Worthy of Care and Support Resource Table
Stop by our table to pick up resources from Survivor Advocacy Services and the Civil Rights and Title IX Office, write a message of support to survivors in our community, and put together your own self-care package for you or a friend.
CANCELLED: Healthy Relationship Skills for Kids and Families
This event has been cancelled but we will reschedule for a future date.
Are you a parent, student, or community member who works with or cares for children? One important way to contribute to ending domestic violence is modeling and teaching healthy relationship skills with children. Join the Counseling and Wellness Center and other staff, faculty, and people who care for children to learn together and share tools for teaching young people about healthy relationships.
Supporting Survivors Staff and Faculty Training
Faculty and staff are invited to schedule a Supporting Survivors training for their office or department this fall and winter quarter. This training, co-hosted by Survivor Advocacy Services and the Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance focuses on how each of us can support student survivors.
We will review employee reporting requirements, all available resources, and options. Includes practice providing relevant resources and support when a student discloses. Based on your department's needs, we can tailor the content and the length of training.
Summit on Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women & People
The Whatcom County Commission on Sexual and Domestic Violence is hosting a FREE all-day event, Whatcom County Summit on
Missing & Murdered Indigenous
Women & People, on Nov. 6 at the PeaceHealth St. Luke's Community Health Education Center, located at 3333 Squalicum Parkway in Bellingham. Lunch will be provided, as well as a light refreshments.
Learn more about what domestic violence is and how you can support those in your life who might be experiencing abuse.
Healthy relationships are built on good communication, fun and fulfillment, equality and partnership, enjoying personal time/freedom, respect, trust, honesty, and conflict resolution. Take some time to check in about your relationships.