Representatives from Genesis House of Cookeville will be in the RUC from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29 to educate and raise awareness among students as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Tara Bates, primary prevention educator of Genesis House, will set up displays and distribute information on domestic violence.
Domestic violence may seem like a topic with which only married people and children should be concerned.
“I know it is sometimes difficult for students to see how domestic violence affects them because domestic violence is still thought of by many as a problem between married people,” Bates said. “However, abuse can and often does occur within dating relationships as well.”
Students may also visit the Women’s Center in Pennebaker Hall room 203 and get a purple ribbon to show their support.
“Please take some time this month to think about how relationship violence might affect you or someone you care about,” Bates said.
Bates is also working to establish a One-in-Four group at Tech, a male-focused group, to raise awareness and offer peer education on rape and sexual violence.
Bates also plans to establish office hours at the Women’s Center during which she will be available for counseling and to offer informational programs.
For more information about domestic violence or to get involved in campus efforts, contact the Women’s Center at womenscenter@tntech.edu.
