At URI all this week

URI’s Women’s Center to host events for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Elizabeth Rau

KINGSTON, R.I.,– Students, faculty and the public will have a chance to reflect on the scourge of domestic violence during activities next week sponsored by the Women’s Center at the University of Rhode Island.

Rachel Dunham, assistant coordinator of Peers Learning Educating and Supporting Everyone, or P.L.E.A.S.E, says the activities from Oct. 19 through 23 are being held to honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.

“This is a wonderful way for students, professors and the public to support people who have been victimized by domestic violence,’’ says Dunham. “We hope participants come away with a better understanding of the seriousness of this problem in Rhode Island and beyond.’’

Events, all free and open to the public, include:

Ahimsa Yoga and Meditation. Yoga and meditation sessions will be held at the Anna Fascitelli Fitness and Wellness Center, 18 Butterfield Road. Sessions will focus on how to practice nonviolence and peace. For dates and times, check out the Mind Body/Studio schedule at the center.

Silent Vigil and Meditation. The vigil on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. at the Anna Fascitelli Fitness and Wellness Center will be dedicated to victims of domestic violence, as well as to those who have been exposed to domestic violence. Students are encouraged to participate. 

Peers Learning Educating and Supporting Everyone will host an information booth on Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Memorial Union, 50 Lower College Road. Members will hand out information about services offered by URI and local community agencies. Purple ribbons will be distributed so students can show their support for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The Escalation Workshop by the One Love Foundation, on Friday, Oct. 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Women's Center library, 22 Upper College Road. The workshop includes a 40-minute video that highlights warning signs of abuse and abusive behavior. Participants will join in a discussion about the cycle of abuse in relationship violence and ways to intervene.

The Neurobiology of Trauma and Organizational Response, at the Women's Center library, 22 Upper College Road, on Friday, Oct. 23, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. The session will look at the neurobiology of trauma as it relates to intimate partner violence and sexual assault. Ways to assist people in the URI community affected by personal violence will be discussed.

Exhibits about domestic violence at the Robert L. Carothers Library and Learning Commons, 15 Lippitt Road. Two displays – one in the 24-hour Room and the other near the circulation desk – will focus on the experiences of domestic violence survivors and on ways to prevent domestic violence.

Campus donation boxes. People can donate diapers, baby wipes, detergent, formula, toothpaste, toilet paper and first-aid items to the South County Domestic Violence Resource Center. Donation boxes will be at the Women’s Center, the Multicultural Center and the Memorial Union throughout the week. 

For more information, please contact Rachel Dunham at 401-874-5743.

Pictured above: Members of Peers Educating Learning and Supporting Everyone, or P.L.E.A.S.E., at the University of Rhode Island. Photo by Rachel Dunham.