Across the California State University system, university campuses are holding events and activities to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness month in October. These activities are designed to draw awareness to the issue of domestic violence, and also to inform university community members of the resources available if they or someone they know might be experiencing domestic violence.
These programs are organized and produced by numerous offices including Civil Rights Programming and Service (Title IX and Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation (DHR) offices); Survivor Advocacy Services; counseling and psychological services; and university women's centers.
“Across the CSU, we strive to raise awareness about the fact that dating/domestic violence is a serious public health issue in our communities and across the globe," says Sue McCarthy, the CSU's systemwide senior director for Prevention, Education, Training and Professional Development.
“We engage in prevention efforts focused on ending violence; work to address systems of oppression that contribute to the persistence of violence; and ensure that those found responsible for committing such harm are held accountable and that those who experience harm have access to confidential survivor services. Ending intimate partner, dating and domestic violence is critical to our commitment to advancing equity, ensuring a culture of respect and upholding the dignity of all people."
.jpeg)
CSU Bakersfield's Division of Equity, Inclusion and Compliance coordinated an event in October 2023 to bring awareness of domestic violence to students, faculty and staff. (Photo courtesy The Runner/Jocelynn Landon)
Visual reminders of domestic violence will begin appearing as early as October 1, when Stanislaus State will erect wooden “silent witness" silhouettes to represent individuals in San Joaquin County who have lost their lives to domestic violence. The silhouettes will remain in place for the month of October.
Also on October 1, Cal Poly Pomona community members are being urged to “Put a Nail in It!" by painting a ring fingernail purple at a launch event for Domestic Violence Awareness month programming.
And at Sacramento State, Domestic Violence Awareness month will start with a “Love Fest"—a fair with 15 to 20 university offices and community partners with interactive activities relating to healthy relationships. (Those who participate in eight activities receive a free item at a food truck.)
Upcoming activities throughout the month include panel discussions and conferences, such as the 23rd Annual Violence Prevention Conference at Cal State Fullerton. That event will bring together CSUF's Title IX and Gender Equity office, CSUF faculty and staff members, and off-campus organizations for a deep dive into the importance of taking an intersectional approach to sexual violence prevention efforts within and beyond the university.
The color purple—which is used to represent and memorialize domestic violence awareness and its survivors—will also feature prominently in events across the university system, with purple ribbon, purple tie-dye and purple T-shirt days. At CSU San Marcos, for example, the campus community is being encouraged to observe “Purple Thursday" by wearing purple every Thursday in October to raise awareness.
Links to all university Civil Rights (Title IX and DHR offices) can be found
here. On social media, follow hashtag #DVAwarenessAtCSU to see highlights from CSU Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you can reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START" to 88788. Live chat resources are available at
https://www.thehotline.org/.