Wear Purple Day Spotlights Domestic Violence

The Wear Purple Day event is one of many ways that Shannon Berkheiser, Cedarville University’s Title IX coordinator, is attempting to shine a light on domestic violence this October. On Thursday, October 21, faculty, staff, and students across campus are encouraged to wear purple in order to recognize the effects of domestic and dating violence.

Berkheiser is leading Cedarville’s efforts to shed light on domestic violence during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. “We want to make students aware that domestic violence is not simply something that happens in the home or a marriage,” said Sarah Gump, digital and social media coordinator, who is leading media updates on the event.

“Domestic violence can occur in dating relationships and directly impacts many college-age students. We want to continue making Cedarville a safe and God-honoring environment where we can shine the light of Christ on the topic of domestic violence.”

Rinnova, the university’s coffee shop on campus, will serve purple whipped cream on October 21, 25, and 29 to raise exposure for domestic violence awareness month. Students are also encouraged to participate in Wear Purple Day on October 21.

“Last year we primarily focused on awareness of the issue, but this year we are pushing information and education so students are prepared to recognize the signs of dating violence,” said Gump. “We want students to become informed of the warning signs.”

The Family Violence Prevention Center, located in Greene County, will have a table in the lower Stevens Student Center on October 21 that will offer resources to students.

Berkheiser” is making resources as accessible to students as possible, with social media posts and countertop signs informing students of the six warnings sign of domestic violence: getting serious too fast, jealousy and isolation, control, “checking in” becoming harassment, emotional/verbal abuse and any form of physical violence or intimidation.

Any student who has experienced or witnessed domestic violence is encouraged to speak up and reach out to the Title IX office.