Take a Stand Against Domestic Violence

To commemorate Domestic Violence Awareness Month, UC Merced’s Campus, Advocacy, Resources and Education (CARE) Office is hosting events throughout October.

According to a survey by the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, one in three women and one in four men have been the victims of physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime. Learn how to step in and speak up against sexual violence with a recent video produced for new student orientation: https://youtu.be/AFBI8RrSnR8.

This month, there many ways to get involved and take a stand against domestic violence.

• Supply Drive — Donate new personal care items or hygiene products, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner and soap, through Oct. 29 to help survivors at the Valley Crisis Center Domestic Violence Shelter. Items can be dropped off at the Office of Student Life, the CARE Office and the Housing and Residence Life Office. For more information or other drop-off locations, visit http://tinyurl.com/UCMDrive2015.
• An Evening With Gatsby Fundraiser — Help support the Valley Crisis Center by attending a Great Gatsby-themed dinner on Oct. 10. Enjoy an evening of great food, music, a dessert auction and a costume contest. Tickets are $60 each. To purchase tickets, call 209-725-7900.
• FAIRGrounds — Learn about healthy relationships and what UC Merced’s CARE Office is doing to prevent domestic violence. Come to the Alpine Room in Tenaya Hall from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 14 and earn a free cupcake from The Cupcake Lady.
• “Sin by Silence” documentary — Grab a free coffee and watch a powerful documentary that chronicles the journey of imprisoned survivors of domestic violence. The screening and discussion take place at 7 p.m. Oct. 16 at Coffee Bandits in downtown Merced.
• Take CTRL-LGBT Online Dating — Learn about LGBT online dating during two workshops. The first is presented by LGBTQ+ Initiatives at 2 p.m. Oct. 20 in the Kolligian Library, Room 296. The second is presented by Lambda Alliance at 8 p.m. Oct. 22 in the Classroom and Office Building, Room 114.
• Peace for Families Community March — Show solidarity with survivors of domestic abuse during a march from the Courthouse Park to Team Pump starting at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 29.

Over the course of the month, participants are encouraged to share their support by using the hashtag #UCMDVAM and #UCMGoesPurple on social media.

For information, contact program coordinator Taylor Fugere.

For free and confidential advocacy services, contact Campus Advocate Tamara Isaac-Cooksey at 209-386-2051.