October is Dating & Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we have a full month of education and outreach programming. We will kick off DVAM on Oct. 1 by writing Love Letters to Survivors in The University of Alabama Student Center 3104. The drop-in event will run from 4 – 6 p.m., and then the Camellia Center will mail letters of support and hope to survivors of domestic violence staying in shelters around the state.
Peer educators and Camellia Center student assistants will lead four Purple Pop-In tabling events throughout the month in locations around campus. Tables will feature mini games, purple treats, and opportunities to show support for survivors of domestic violence.
On Oct. 14, our Thrive Together Campus Wellness Action Series will host a “Helping Hands, Healing Paths” panel, during which panelists will discuss the ways their workplaces identify domestic violence, foster safety and respond effectively to support survivors. Following the panel, attendees will decorate trick-or-treat bags for children in shelter at Turning Point. The Camellia Center will take the bags to Turning Point the following day.
The annual Fall Campfire will be on Oct. 15 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on The University of Alabama Student Center Lawn. In partnership with University Programs, we will offer popcorn, lawn games, music, and information on campus and community resources, including the Not On My Campus student organization.
We will close out the month by looking at portrayals of domestic violence in media and books. We are partnering with the Will Nolan Film Club to show I, Tonya on Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the theater at The University of Alabama Student Center. Following the film, a Camellia Center staff member will facilitate a discussion about the 2017 film. Faculty, staff, and graduate students are invited to join us on Oct. 23 for EveryVoice Book Club from 12 – 1 p.m. at Newk’s. For October, we are reading “Shuggie Bain” by Douglas Stuart, which explores themes of addiction and domestic violence. The book is available through the Frances S. Summersell Library, located in the Camellia Center.
If you have any questions about DVAM events or want to learn more about ways to be involved with the Camellia Center, please email camellia@ua.edu or join our bi-weekly newsletter.