October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month; Learn more and get involved at ASU

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month and we at the ASU Graduate College are dedicated to raising awareness and educating our community members about domestic violence and the impact that it has on individuals and communities. 

What is domestic violence?

According to the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence, “domestic violence is a pattern of coercive control and abusive behaviors in any intimate or familial relationship that are used to gain and maintain power and control over another.”

Domestic violence can take many forms including emotional abuse, economic abuse, isolation or sexual coercion. In addition to the physical pain and suffering it causes, domestic violence can also negatively impact a victim’s mental health and result in financial strain that affects victims as well as their family members.

Domestic violence remains prevalent

According to the CDC’s National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men were victims of domestic abuse and violence in 2018. In Arizona, 36.5% of Arizona women and 27.1% of men experience intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner sexual violence and/or intimate partner stalking. 

Studies also show that rates of domestic violence have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month offers an opportunity for the ASU community to learn more about how widespread domestic violence is in the U.S. and the damage that it does to victims, their families and our communities. It is critical to begin a constructive dialogue that will continue far beyond October.   

October events

ASU is hosting several domestic violence awareness events for students to participate in during the month of October. 

Oct. 20 & Oct. 27- Sun Devil Support Network (SDSN) Community Circles 

SDSN COmmunity Circles provide resources and support for those who need advice or counseling about relationships.

Oct. 21- SDSN Training

The SDSN is also offering training for those who want to enhance their knowledge and skills in supporting victims and survivors of domestic violence. Training will take place on Oct. 21.

Oct. 22- Wear Purple to raise awareness of domestic violence

The Sun Devil Movement for Violence Prevention is asking students to wear purple on Oct. 22 to raise awareness about relationship violence and band together to support survivors of violence. Those wearing purple are encouraged to post photos of themselves and tag @SunDevilMVP.

Oct. 25-31- The Clothesline Project

Participants are encouraged to decorate a virtual t-shirt to raise awareness about domestic violence and support survivors. Students may also view a virtual display of designs made by survivors and individuals affected by domestic violence. 

For a full list of events, visit the Movement for Violence Prevention Events web page. 

Students who have been affected by domestic violence, or who are interested in learning about resources available to them should view the Sexual Assault and Misconduct Resource Guide and visit ASU’s Sexual Violence Prevention and Response website.