UW observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic abuse and relationship violence doesn’t discriminate. It affects women and men, gay and straight, married and single, students, faculty and staff. But regardless of the circumstances, there are resources to get help.

Those messages are particularly important this October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, says Lori Henn, relationship violence prevention coordinator with University Health Services (UHS). Henn helps coordinate UW–Madison’s prevention efforts on the issue.

Henn, a representative from Domestic Abuse Intervention Services and a student survivor of dating violence will jointly appear on WSUM-FM 91.7 from 10-11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 18 to share experiences and talk about breaking the cycle of violence.

In addition, violence prevention information kiosks will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 21 in Memorial Union and again Oct. 28 at Union South.

Violent or abusive relationships are marked by behavior used to establish power and control over another person through fear and intimidation, often including the threat or use of violence, Henn says. Battering, which often escalates, may include emotional or psychological abuse, sexual abuse, physical violence, intimidation or isolation.

Those problems can occur in all forms of relationships, including dating and marriage and among gay couples. The issue of leaving a violent relationship or getting help is deeply complicated by love and the good times of a relationship or fear of more violent behavior if one party tries to leave.

“Sometimes it can be hard to tell when you’re dealing with abuse versus a cruddy relationship,” Henn says. “People need to recognize when it crosses the line at its earliest point so they can stand up and make clear that they’re not going to put up with it.”

“Above all, we advocate safety in both emotional and physical contexts,” she says. “People need to be in a place where they can be comfortable and be themselves.”

Henn says those involved in an abusive or violent relationship have numerous places to turn for help. If you are in immediate danger, or have just been assaulted, call UW or Madison Police 911, she says. Other resources include:

• The 24-hour UHS crisis line, (608) 265-6565.
• The Dean of Students Office at (608) 263-5700,
• UHS Counseling and Consultation Services at (608) 265-5600
• The Campus Women’s Center at (608) 262-8093
• Dane County Domestic Abuse Intervention Services can be reached at (608) 251-4445 (24-hour crisis hotline) or (608) 251-1237 (for general office).