For the last few weeks, new posters have begun to appear next to Enactus’ “Stall Street Journal” publication. The headline reads, “Red Flags for Domestic or Dating Violence: How many red flags have you experienced in your relationship?”
Even though these flyers have just started to be put up around campus, Union University’s Title IX committee began making plans for them last semester. Ann Singleton, associate provost and dean for instruction, said that Title IX meets monthly to evaluate the safety of students on campus, and it was at one of these meetings that they recognized the need for widely circulated information regarding domestic or dating violence.
“In 2017, all faculty, staff and students participated in an online training program during Assessment Day,” said Singleton. “In 2018, a WRAP representative came to Union and led an informative meeting to bring awareness to the campus.”
Title IX takes every accusation seriously and launches an investigation once a complaint is made.
“The goal [for the posters] is that anyone who has had an unfortunate experience will report it,” said Singleton. “If sexual assault, sexual innuendoes, or sexual bullying is occurring, we want people to know there is an organization who will stand by you.”
The Title IX committee has also partnered with WRAP for this campaign. WRAP stands for Women’s Resource and Rape Assistance Program. Based out of Jackson, they have various resources for women in violent or abusive situations. Last fall, WRAP provided Union magnets with contact information for Residence Life to put in individual dorm rooms.
Title IX is still working on putting the posters all over campus, but you can currently find one in the bathrooms of the Logos or the PAC.
“It pointed out things that I’ve never thought of before as being considered domestic violence,” said Elise Kolterman, a senior public relations major. “In high school, if I had known these were traits of abuse, I would have gotten out of relationships sooner than I did.”
For more information on how to recognize abuse or to report abuse, use the following resources:
WRAP: 731-668-0411
Counseling Services: 731-661-5923
24/7 Campus Safety & Security: 731-394-2922
uu.edu/studentlife/accountability
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Illustration by Tamara Friesen