Signature Programs and Conferences

August and September kicks off the academic year for returning and incoming students. It is a time where our community welcome fellow Eagles to campus. The energy is buzzing with reconnections with friends, meeting new friends, joining clubs, exploring materials in new classes, and exploring Fredericksburg. Examples of past programming:

• kNOw MORE Resource Fair
• Coffee and Consent
• Being An Eagle
• Social Media Spotlight

February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month (TDVAM). It was recognized in 2006 during the first week in February; however, in 2010 it was announced for the entire month. According to the One Love Foundation, “This is an issue that impacts everyone – not just teens – but their parents, teachers, friends, and communities as well.” Examples of past programming:

• One Love Week
• Escalation Workshops
• One Love Jeopardy
• Bystander Intervention

October is the National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) which began in 1981. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, “It is a time to acknowledge domestic violence survivors and be a voice for its victims. Domestic Violence is prevalent in every community, and affects all people regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality.” Examples of past programming:

• Healthy Relationship Zine Workshop
• Break the Cycle
• Domestic Violence Awareness Month Vigil
• Bystander Intervention (Advanced)
• #EaglesPledgePurple

January is the National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month which was first declared in 2010. According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, “It has been a time to acknowledge those experiencing enslavement and those who have escaped. Although slavery is commonly thought to be a thing of the past, human traffickers generate hundreds of billions of dollars in profits by trapping millions of people in horrific situations around the world, including here in the U.S.” Examples of past programming:

• Red Sand Project

April is the National Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) which began as a week in 1980s. The first month was observed nationally in 2001. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, “It is a time for raising awareness of sexual assault and gender-based violence, as well as celebrating the strength of survivors, passion of advocates, and compassion of allies.” Examples of past programming:

• 30DaysofSAAM
• Clothesline Project
• Denim Day
• RCASA’s Quick Tips: Talking to A Survivor
• Zumba for Hope
• Take Back the Night (Host: Talley Center for Counseling Services)
• Fear 2 Freedom (Host: Where is the Line? –Student Club)

The conference was a multidisciplinary approach to addressing gender-based violence on college campuses. Review the full conference program or presentations below:

• Angela Hattery – Gender Based Violence on College Campuses: Past Present and Future Presentation
• Ann Kloeckner – Legal Aid Works Presentation
• Kana Zink – Relationship Abuse Presentation
• Palma Pustilnik – Administrative and Legal Options Presentation (Part 1)
• Palma Pustilnik – Administrative and Legal Options Presentation (Part 2)
• RCASA Cybersecurity Presentation

This project was supported by Grant No. 2016-WA-AX-0019 awarded by the Office of Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.