Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Reported By: Sierra Reisman
Illustrated By: Addie Patterson
While most people are aware that the problem of domestic violence exists, the scope of the problem may surprise many. According to the National Coalition of Domestic Violence (NCADV), 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of intimate partner violence, and approximately 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner.
These frightening statistics illustrate the importance of education for people of all genders on what intimate partner violence looks like, what can be done to escape and avoid abusive relationships, and what resources are available for anyone who may be suffering today. In 1989, October was officially designated by Congress domestic violence awareness month.
The United Nations defines domestic violence as “a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner.” Contrary to popular belief, said “behavior” does not have to be physical or even explicitly verbal to be abusive. Abusive partners may use more subtle emotional manipulation tactics to control their victims–tactics that are invisible to an outside observer.
People of all genders can be victims of intimate partner abuse, but the statistics are much higher for women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB), specifically regarding sexual violence. College students are especially at risk: 43% of college women experience abusive dating behaviors and 29% of college women report having been in an abusive relationship. College campuses place young adults in high stress and close contact environments–often involving increased alcohol consumption–which contribute to increasing the risk of abusive relationship behaviors.
Studies indicate that cultural norm of male authority over women is a major predictor of partner violence. Since Christian environments can sometimes promote an unequal, hierarchical view of male-female relationships, Christian colleges like (George Fox University) GFU have a special responsibility to promote healthy relationships.
College campuses are governed by Title IX in their handling of sexual discrimination, which encompasses domestic violence. According to the Domestic Violence Network, Title IX requires schools to protect students from “all unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature.” At GFU, Title IX coordinators , like Carlee Anglin, are the primary resource for students seeking help. In her role, Anglin feels like her primary goal is “to support and care for students.”
The GFU Title IX office wants to prioritize students’ safety. Anglin explained that students can report incidents with complete confidentiality; no reports are filed or other parties notified without the student’s consent. Anglin also expressed her desire to support students through a “trauma-informed lens” and prioritizes an “upstream model”–a model based on promoting healthy relationships and being “proactive rather than reactive.”
For anyone who suspects a friend or family member may be in an abusive relationship, Anglin recommended directly reaching out to that individual in person instead of over social media, or texting, or by using any other form of monitored communication. It is important to focus on “being supportive, patient and non-judgemental, and just being there for them.”
Additional resources:
National domestic violence hotline: 800-799-7233
On campus resources: titleix@georgefox.edu