Anti-domestic violence events at URI Oct. 24-28

Stress on prevention, support for victims

Dave Lavallee

Events titled “Empty Place at the Table,” “Healthy Relationship Wheel” and the “Masculinity Town Hall” will be among the events of the University of Rhode Island’s Domestic Violence Awareness Week, Monday, Oct. 24 through Friday Oct. 28.

The free, public program is sponsored by the URI student group, Peers Learning Educating and Supporting Everyone (P.L.E.A.S.E). Rachel Dunham, assistant coordinator of Violence Prevention and Advocacy Services, said the activities are being held to mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October. All activities will be held on the Kingston Campus.

“These events are designed to engage and inform students, professors, staff and the public so they can support people who have been victimized by domestic violence,” Dunham said. “We hope participants come away with a better understanding of the seriousness of this problem in Rhode Island and beyond.”

The schedule is as follows:

“Empty Place at the Table,” Monday, Oct. 24, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Memorial Union, 50 Lower Collage Road. This is a silent exhibit that will show stories of individuals’ lives that were cut short as a result of domestic violence. The purpose of this exhibit is to demonstrate the devastating loss of life that comes as a result of domestic violence and to honor those affected by this issue.

“Healthy Relationship Wheel,” Tuesday, Oct. 25, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Memorial Union. Join P.L.E.A.S.E members to play an interactive game about healthy relationships and communication. Participants will spin the wheel and be asked questions. This program follows the format of Wheel of Fortune (prizes may be involved!).

“Masculinity Town Hall-Lunch with the Ten Men Project,” Wednesday, Oct. 26, noon to 2 p.m., Multicultural Student Services Center, Hardge Forum, 74 Lower College Road. This will be a conversation about healthy masculinity with representatives of the Ten Men Project–a program made up of Rhode Island men from diverse walks of life who share a common vision — a world without domestic violence. Pizza will be provided.

“Wear Purple Day” and “The Escalation Workshop,” Thursday, Oct. 27. Don’t forget to wear purple to show your support for domestic violence awareness. And during “The Escalation Workshop” from 6 to 8 p.m. in the College of Pharmacy Building, Room 170, 7 Greenhouse Road, P.L.E.A.S.E members will facilitate a powerful 90-minute interactive program developed by the One Love Foundation. This workshop is designed to create an understanding of and discussion about the dangers of abusive relationships, the ways that we can support individuals hurt by this type of violence and how we can become active bystanders against relationship violence.

Vinyasa Yoga Class, Friday, Oct. 28, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Fascitelli Fitness and Wellness Center, 18 Butterfield Road. Additionally, all yoga classes held at the Fascitelli Center throughout the week will be dedicated to domestic violence awareness.