Domestic Violence Awareness is Important Year-round

Help is Available On and Off Campus if You are Experiencing Physical, Sexual and Emotional Abuse

Sophia "Pearl" Brites, Writer

November 16, 2024

Domestic Violence Awareness is Important Year-round

October marked Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness of a hidden epidemic. On college campuses across the country, students find themselves navigating their first serious relationships, and unfortunately many face the threat of dating violence- a problem that often goes unreported.

24/7 National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233

24/7 Free Mental-Health and Human Services (United Way of Connecticut): 211

24/7 National Suicide and Crisis Hotline: 988

If you or anyone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.

According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline,

Despite its prevalence, many students lack the knowledge to recognize the warning signs of abuse, leaving them vulnerable to dating violence. Most abusers appear to be the ideal partner in the early stages of relationships, drawing unsuspecting people into a nightmarish reality.

Abuse can take many forms- it’s not just physical. It can be emotional, psychological, financial, or even material. But one common thread in all abusive relationships is the desire to exert power and control.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline’s website, hotline.org, is a useful resource for understanding the warning signs of abuse and offering support for those in need. Here are some of the signs listed on the website:

Insulting, demeaning, or shaming you, especially in front of other people
Showing extreme jealousy of your friends, or when you spend time away from them.
Preventing or discouraging you from spending time with others
Pressuring you to have sex, or perform sexual acts you’re not comfortable with
Intimidating you through threatening looks or actions

Campus Resources and Support

MCC has a Wellness Center dedicated to providing mental health support. If you or anyone you know is struggling with dating violence or mental health concerns please reach out to the center for support and additional resources. Email Wanda Reyes-Dawes at [email protected] or stop by L-186 (located inside L-187) with any questions or concerns.

Title IX protects students of all genders from sex-based discrimination and sexual harassment. CSCC has a designated Title IX coordinator who is responsible for ensuring the school complies with these protections. All students can contact the coordinator with questions or to file a complaint regarding any Title IX issue. CSCC Title IX Coordinator: Dr. John-Paul Chaisson-Cardenas, VP of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, [email protected].

Domestic Violence Representation in Media

Curious of what domestic violence could look like? There are plenty of accurate portrayals in TV, film, and other media that provide insight on the experience of survivors.

Maid (2021)

This Netflix series, based on Stephanie Land’s memoir of the same name, follows a single mother fleeing an abusive relationship while battling poverty and trying to build a better life for her and her daughter. The show was widely praised for its realistic portrayal, especially the difficult cycle of going back to the abuser- a struggle many victims face.

I, Tonya (2017)

With 8 awards, I, Tonya is a critically acclaimed biographical movie that depicts the life and downfall of figure skater Tonya Harding, highlighting the abuse she endured from both her mother and her husband. The film illustrates the impact domestic violence had on her decisions and the controversy that ended her career.

Men Don’t Tell (1993)

This Made-for-TV movie tells the story of a man who suffers physical and emotional abuse at the hands of his wife. He struggles to protect himself and his kids, while also facing skepticism from his community and legal trouble. An uncommon storyline, the film sheds light on the rarely discussed subject of male victims of domestic violence.