Liberty University observes national Domestic Violence Awareness Month, provides education opportunities for students

The Office of Equity & Compliance (OEC) is doing its part in fulfilling the mission to Train Champions for Christ by providing education and awareness events on topics that impact the Liberty University community. The OEC is committed to educating students and employees on the importance of preventing and addressing dating and domestic violence by sharing information on how students and employees can report incidents, receive support, and learn about the warning signs of unhealthy and violent relationships.

On Thursday, the Freedom Tower was lit in purple in honor of national Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The color purple was chosen for the month in part because it was worn by women during the Women’s Suffrage movement (along with white and gold to represent purity, hope, and loyalty) and it is also the color of one of the more prestigious military medals, the Purple Heart, given to those who either died or were injured as they valiantly served in the armed forces. Purple was chosen to represent domestic violence because it carries a distinguished reputation for the survivors that wear it. It showcases that not only did they survive the battle of abuse, but they fought with honor, courage, freedom, and the power to end future violence.

“The Office of Equity and Compliance is here to serve and support all our students. This month gives us an opportunity to raise the awareness and educate our campus community to prevent violence from happening in the future,” said Senior Vice President for Equity and Compliance Ashley Reich. “We know and understand the difficulty students bear in speaking up and reporting sexual assault and violence. That’s why we have worked diligently to create a reporting environment that is safe, supportive and neutral.”

“At Liberty University we prioritize the safety and security of our students without exception. In keeping with our mission to train Champions for Christ, we work every day to provide campus resources, trainings, and supportive measures that raise awareness and help prevent sexual assault and domestic violence,” said Liberty President Dondi Costin. “Victims of dating and sexual violence bear a heavy burden, and we want them to know that they are not forgotten and they are not alone.”

Members of the Liberty community were invited to join a social media initiative by wearing purple on Thursday, posting their purple outfit on Instagram, tagging the OEC in their post, and completing the OEC’s Residential Student Training course in Canvas. Students, faculty, and staff were also encouraged to wear purple to campus Thursday.

Earlier this month, the OEC held a free showing of the film, “Everything Has Changed,” presented by the Clery Center in DeMoss Hall. The short, educational film highlights Kristin Michell’s tragic murder by her ex-boyfriend and showcases how learning the early warning signs of dating and domestic violence can help prevent future harm.

Informational tables were set up in the Montview Student Union on Oct. 2 and 16 for students to talk with the OEC’s education team, learn more about red flags in relationships, and how they can report an incident of dating or domestic violence.

The OEC office is located in DeMoss Hall 1232, in area of main campus that is readily accessible to students. To contact OEC, email oec@liberty.edu or call (434) 592-4999.