Students tell of dating violence experiences

Dating abuse can affect anyone, in any type of relationship. It happens on every college campus, including UW–Madison, yet the issue is rarely discussed.

That’s why undergraduate Rachel Perry applied for a Wisconsin Idea Fellowship. Perry’s goal was to “provide a forum for students to anonymously share their dating abuse experiences,” as she states in her introduction to “Raising Voices,” an anthology of personal stories from eight students who have experienced dating violence.

“Raising Voices” is available beginning today. For information on obtaining a copy or to read an online version, visit http://www.uhs.wisc.edu.

“I hope this anthology will give a voice to the participants and provide information that will enhance relationship violence prevention and intervention efforts,” Perry says.

Perry will read from her anthology at 7 p.m. Monday, March 3, at Canterbury Booksellers, 315 W. Gorham St. UW–Madison students, faculty and staff, and community members are invited. After the reading, there will be time for questions and discussion. Copies of “Raising Voices” will also be available at the reading. For more information, visit http://www.madisoncanterbury.com.

Perry interviewed the eight participants one-on-one and was careful to protect their anonymity while preserving the authenticity of their stories. The students were all victims of dating abuse while enrolled at UW–Madison. The stories illustrate how the abuse progressed and impacted many parts of their lives.

“Anne’s” story included emotional and physical abuse. She is an undergraduate who, after breaking off the relationship with her abusive partner, was harassed and stalked by him.

“…I really, really wanted to go to my teaching assistants and say that I know I’m not doing stellar work [because of the abuse] … I was just kind of afraid and thought maybe they’d think I was making excuses,” she says in “Raising Voices.”

“Jess” is an undergraduate who was involved in a same-sex relationship. Her girlfriend emotionally abused her, and used physical aggression to intimidate her.

“What I understood of an abusive relationship was that it was, normally, just between guys and girls,” Jess says in “Raising Voices.”

Lori Henn, relationship violence prevention coordinator at University Health Services says, “The great thing about the anthology is that Rachel chose a social concern on campus and did a project that benefits her fellow students.” Violent or abusive relationships are typically 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. Jealousy, verbal abuse and emotional abuse are early warning signs that can lead to physical violence.

Henn says the campus is concerned for students involved in abusive relationships and encourages students to seek help. If you are in immediate danger, or have just been assaulted, call UW Police at 911.

Other resources include: – University Health Services (medical and counseling services), (608) 265-5600. After hours, call 265-6565 – The Dean of Students Office, (608) 263-5700 – Dane County Domestic Abuse Intervention Services, (608) 251-4445 (24-hour crisis hotline) or (608) 251-1237 (for general office) – The Campus Women’s Center, (608) 262-8093

Perry’s project was funded by a Wisconsin Idea Fellowship and supported by University Health Services and the Women Studies Program.