Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) (October)

In October, we raise awareness and join in solidarity with those who have experienced domestic or dating violence, or what is also known as Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). 

According to the Domestic Violence Hotline, about 57% of college students say it is difficult to identify dating abuse. Purdue aligns their definitions of domestic and dating violence with the VAWA Act, a US Federal Law that addresses domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. 

  • According to The Office for Civil Rights, relationship violence is any physical, sexual and/or psychological harm against an individual by a current or former intimate or romantic partner. Intimate or romantic partners may be dating, cohabitating, married, separated, or divorced, and may be of the same or opposite sex.  

The National Center for Victims of Crime shares that 32% of college students report having experienced dating violence by a previous partner and 21% report experiencing violence by a current partner. CARE wants to ensure students know they are not alone when seeking confidential advocacy support and services. CARE also provides opportunities for the Boilermaker community to educate themselves and show their support to survivors. 

  • Domestic Violence/Relationship Violence Honor Walk: An annual walk candle-lite to honor survivors and remember those who lost their lives to intimate partner violence.  
  • Request a Toolkit: “Relationship Violence” Toolkit Video based discussion group that educates participants about the different forms of IPV, resources available within the Boilermaker community, how to be a good bystander, and creating a safer community. This activity can be CARE staff facilitated, or requesting organization leadership led after short training.