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!
The Clothesline Project
A gallery display of testimonials by student survivors and those who support them, hosted by WWU Survivor Advocacy Services and the Office of Health Promotion & Resilience.
Opening Reception:
OCT 6 • 4:30 – 5:30 PM
Join us on October 6, for our opening reception. Gather with students, staff, and community members to reflect, learn, and engage with this powerful exhibition honoring the voices of survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence through anonymous personal testimonials. Light refreshments will be served.
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.
Trauma-informed Yoga
This workshop is designed to create a space for student survivors to participate in a trauma-informed yoga practice. The session offers a gentle yoga experience that focuses on mindfulness, breath work, and restorative poses to promote physical and emotional well-being. The workshop is specifically tailored to address the unique needs of survivors, fostering a sense of community, self-compassion, and body awareness.
LGBT Q&A: Healthy Queer Relationships
Join us for a workshop on Healthy Queer Relationships hosted by Counseling and Wellness Center and LGBTQ+ Western. Part of the Fall Queeries Series.
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. 5 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.