“Not on our Campus, Not in our Community” is a campaign that Indiana University of Kokomo started in partnership with the local efforts of the domestic violence shelter. The shelter is owned and operated by the Family Service Association of Howard County. To support both this organization and this cause, the staff, faculty, and students at Ross Medical Education Center campus in Kokomo, Indiana joined for the second year partnering with them on raising awareness on domestic violence.
“Making others aware of the domestic violence issue in our community does not always have to come in the form of money,” stated Indiana University of Kokomo student Karlie Reinagle. “This walk allows those who do not have the extra means to give but to give of their time and presents to show others we will not tolerate this behavior in our community.”
Tracey Martino, Executive Director of the Family Service Association, consistently acts as a guest speaker at the Ross Kokomo campus and participates in mock interviewing as well. “We as a campus wanted to show her we support and appreciate all she does in our community,” said Campus Director Shannon Spencer. “Our evening students have taken great joy in getting involved in this event.”
The big event is a one mile walk around the community of Indiana University. It is always kicked off with a great guest speaker. This year’s guest speaker was Heidi Wright, a Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Advocate at Family Service Association, as a survivor. Instead of telling her story she referenced the #metoo movement. “She went on to encourage us to use our voices. This is not the story of a group of privileged women in Hollywood,” shared Shannon. “This is the story of everyday men, women, and children silenced for too long.” Heidi stated that 20-25% of women are victims of forced sex during their time in college. For many of this was a big eye opener. She also had the group look to the left and right of each other and said that one in three women have been assaulted in their lifetime.
After the guest speaker finished, more than 100 people walked down Washington Street to Maple Crest Elementary and Middle School and back. The group held signs up about the domestic violence issue. “It was a bit colder than we liked however, we all dressed for the occasion,” said Shannon, happy to support this important cause despite the cold temperatures.