Domestic violence awareness on display at AU's Summerville Campus

By Rakiyah Lenon | Co-editor in chief

Volunteers from SafeHomes of Augusta, Title IX and AU Police spent the lunch hour on Oct. 12 at the Jaguar Student Activities Center patio informing the campus community of resources available in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Since the start of October, purple ribbons and signs symbolizing the month have been tied and placed in many areas of the Summerville Campus. Purple t-shirts have also been worn by many reading “love shouldn’t hurt,” a phrase corresponding with the theme of domestic violence awareness.

The Crew, which holds events for students on both the Summerville and Health Sciences campus, partnered with the organizations and used their Takeover Tuesday event to allow them to promote awareness about domestic violence. Takeover Tuesdays typically provide time for students to break and socialize between classes.

Chelsea Paulding, Miss Augusta University 2022, is focusing on the issue of domestic violence as part of her campaign this year. She along with others hosted the table for SafeHomes of Augusta, a place where victims of domestic violence can seek refuge from abuse.

“It’s actually my social impact initiative so that’s why I’m out here volunteering today,” she said.

According to Paulding, SafeHomes provides resources for victims to navigate through the struggles of domestic violence including counseling and housing.

Julia, Kneuker, director of Title IX for Augusta University, explained that as required by law, they serve to assist in ensuring that students and faculty are protected from harassment and threatening situations on campus.

Speaking of the Title IX amendment, Kneuker said, “It’s in place to give students and employees… equal access to a school or work environment free from sexual harassment… and domestic violence. We often have to change schedules, put do not contact orders in place to protect that access,” she said.

Kneuker explained that their department often receives calls about domestic violence situations and refers victims to resources including SafeHomes, counseling services and AU Police. They also decide whether there are conduct violations.

At the event, AU Police passed out flyers containing information about campus safety, self-defense training for women and a mobile app for students to download.

Captain Sam Sherrill demonstrated how students can access the RAVE Guardian app on their smartphones by searching ‘RAVE Guardian’ in the App Store and Google play store and using their ‘augusta.edu’ email address.

“It’s a personal panic button. It alerts dispatch to know exactly where you’re at,” he said.

Sherrill said that students could visit www.augusta.edu/police for more information about offered services.

Focus on domestic violence awareness is expected to continue for the remainder of the month.

Note: Photo at top of page show signs that have been posted throughout Summerville from SafeHomes of Augusta. (photo by Rakiyah Lenon)

Contact Rakiyah Lenon at rlenon@augusta.edu.

This story is published in the Monday, Oct. 25, 2021 print edition of The Bell Ringer.