Volume 006 Issue 002 October 2014
Adult, Commuter & Military Volume 06 Issue 001 September 2014
Student Connection
Domestic Violence: Educating our Students and Raising Awareness There have been many cases of domestic violence, but since the disturbing video of NFL player, Ray Rice assaulting his wife there has been uproar and controversy. Not only has it shown the lack of penalties that those who assault women face in cases like this, but it has also given individuals a passion to educate people on how serious and prevalent domestic violence is today.
Come visit us in UC 243 in the Involvement Zone or call our office 901-678-2644 acss@memphis.edu
Adult and Commuter Student Services (ACSS), is hosting a Domestic Violence Awareness Seminar, Thursday, October 30th, that will address the problems and raise awareness about domestic violence. “Memphis has a lot of issues with domestic violence and the best way to prevent something from happening is to be educated on it,” said Hillary Thornton, event-coordinator for the seminar. “We want students to learn preventative measures and how to recognize a situation before it escalates,” she said. 85 percent of domestic violence victims are women, and 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Although all ages are affected, women of ages 20 to 24 are at a higher risk of becoming victims of domestic violence and many college students are in the that age bracket.
Designed, written and edited by: Jessica Rainer
A lot of students don’t think they will be a victim of domestic violence. However, it is reported that 53% of college
women have experienced domestic violence by a current or previous partner. “Some students may not recognize what domestic violence is,” said Heather Hampton of Adult and Commuter Student Services. “We all feel a level of invincibility, that it can’t happen to us, and we feel like we are in control.” Joy Stout, Director of Adult and Commuter Student Services says, “It is important to host this seminar to raise an awareness of the various campus and community resources that are available to victims of such an act.” She also said there is a lack of tolerance for those who commit acts of domestic violence against women, partners, or significant others that should be conveyed as well. Elizabeth Shelley of the YWCA, Doreen Shelton of the Memphis Police Department, and Janice Masters of the Shelby County Sherriff’s department will facilitate the discussion. “We want students to learn self-control, when to walk away, and how to stop the violence in their personal relationships,” Stout said. For more information about Adult and Commuter Student Service’s Domestic Violence Awareness Seminar, visit us in the University Center, room 243 or visit the website, www.memphis.edu/acss.