October was National Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. To help raise awareness, students, staff, and faculty at the Ross Medical Education Center New Baltimore campus participated in the “Don’t Get Caught In The Web Of Violence” campaign from October 13th through the 30th.
The annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month was begun in October of 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Their intention was to connect advocates who were working to end violence against women and children across the nation. It has since grown into a month of activities and gatherings throughout the United States and has received much media promotion as of late.
Donations of wish list items provided by the local domestic violence shelter, Turning Point, in Mt. Clemens were collected. The items ranged from infant food and items to toiletries, new clothing, toys, shelter household items, and other things to fill various needs. Turning Point strives to prevent domestic violence and improve the quality of life for victims, providing advocacy, education, supportive services, emergency 24-hour crisis intervention, and shelter in order to aid families. Due to the nature of the problem and the fact that the escape is usually secretive, victims often are unable to bring personal care necessities with them and are dependent upon the generosity of others.
The campaign consisted of “Purple Thursdays” which consisted of students wearing purple, sporting purple wristbands, and wearing purple ribbons. The campus was decorated in purple and informational pamphlets were distributed. On Thursday, October 23, Judy L. Weaver, domestic violence survivor and founder of Victory After Violence, presented the Weaver Target Recovery Model to both the morning and evening classes, answering many student questions. A week later, on Thursday, October 30, Alyse D. Johnson, Turning Point Community Relations & Volunteer Coordinator, presented with Domenica Tokarski, also from Turning Point.
This was an incredibly rewarding experience for Ross students, staff, and faculty to learn more about the signs of domestic violence. In the healthcare field, these are signs students will have to be looking out for as they move into externship and their careers. It was also beneficial for Turning Point as more than 1500 items were presented to the shelter and their counterpart thrift store Second Hand Rose.
“No one has learned the meaning of life until he has surrendered his ego to the service of his fellow men.” – Beran Wolfe
For further information as to how you may be involved contact:
Alyse D. Johnson, LLMSW
Community Relations & Volunteer Coordinator
586.463.4430 ext. 239
www.TurningPointMacomb.org