Domestic violence impacts millions of people each year, but it can be prevented. It requires the collective voice and power of individuals, families, institutions, and systems – each of whose “one thing” adds a valuable and powerful component to transforming our communities.

This October, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), The University of New Mexico (UNM) is asking “What’s the #1Thing you can do to end domestic violence?”

LoboRESPECT is encouraging the UNM community to wear purple on Thursday, Oct. 25 in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Post your support on social media using the hashtag #PurpleThursday.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men have experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime.1

“Many people care and understand that domestic violence is a serious public health problem. They want to do something but believe their actions can’t make a difference,” said Lisa Lindquist, director of the LoboRESPECT Advocacy Center. “It feels overwhelming. But change can start with one decision. Imagine if everyone in Albuquerque, in New Mexico… if we each commit to doing just #1Thing to stop domestic violence. We could really see some serious social transformation.”

Join UNM as we mourn for those whose lives were taken by domestic violence, celebrate the tremendous progress victim advocates have made over the years and connect with one another in a true sense of unity to end domestic violence.  

Advocates are always available on campus at the LoboRESPECT Advocacy Center, the Women’s Resource Center and LGBTQ Resource Center.

#PurpleThursday


Things you can do to address domestic violence:

  • Be a caring and consistent adult in the life of a child
  • Talk to loved ones about violence and oppression
  • Create a culture of consent in your home
  • Use social media to raise awareness among your peers
  • Reach out to my local domestic violence program to learn how you can help
  • Listen to and validate a survivor of trauma
  • Take the #1Thing Community Pledge to end domestic violence
  • See more ideas via the Domestic Violence Awareness Project

 

1Smith, S.G., Chen, J., Basile, K.C., Gilbert, L.K., Merrick, M.T., Patel, N., Walling, M., & Jain, A. (2017). The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS): 2010-2012 State Report. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.