October is Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. The Knights Against Violence (KAV) have planned several events for the Neumann University community to participate in to raise awareness for victims of sexual, dating, and domestic violence. The overall theme of these events is “Unmask the Violence.”

In 2019, NU received a grant for $298,969 from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women to support the development of a coordinated community response team to address issues pertaining to these offenses.

This grant supported the formation of KAV, which was defined as Neumann’s initiative to end sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. KAV is designed to enhance victim services, implement prevention and education programs, and create a comprehensive community response team to prevent, prosecute, and respond to such acts of violence.

Tiphane Purnell, Neumann’s project director for violence prevention, oversees the events planned with the DOJ grant. She realizes the importance of these events to honor victims, create awareness and encourage those suffering from domestic violence to seek help.

“It’s so important to have these events to make sure that we’re giving resources, support, and showing our love for each other. And that we reference things that other people have gone through and how that impacts them so we can make sure we’re a healed, whole, and happy community. We can’t attend to our Franciscan values unless we’re whole and healed,” Purnell said.

The kick-off event for Unmask the Violence begins with “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” on October 25 at 6:00 p.m. at the Bruder patio. Walkers will light candles in remembrance of those who died from domestic violence. They will then walk to the site of a new garden at the Mirenda Center, which has been named the Canticle Garden.

On the same evening, students and NU employees are encouraged to light up their rooms and offices with purple lights to support the walk. Purple is the color that represents domestic violence.

Other events planned to raise awareness are:

Oct. 26 - I Choose Love banquet from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the McNichol Room

Oct. 26 - The Reel Deal at 6:00 p.m. in the SMPH - The Counseling Center for Wellness hosts an open discussion for students after watching the movie Silver Linings Playbook.

Oct. 27 - Purple Out soccer game against Marywood at 4:00 p.m. Fans wear purple.

Oct. 27 - Letters to Survivors 8:00-9:00 p.m. in the Sora Luna Lounge. Letters will be read in a compilation video to support survivors on our campus of all acts of power-based violence and then sent to community partners to support survivors in the area.

Oct. 28 - Survivor Garden dedication at 3:00 p.m. at the Mirenda Center, an additional garden with tulips that bloom purple and teal in the spring.

Oct. 28 - Purple, Pink, and Pictures - wear pink and purple for the day to support breast cancer and domestic violence survivors.

“Purple Thursdays” on October 21 and 28 are planned to encourage everyone to wear purple. KAV will be giving out purple buttons and ribbons.