October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a nationally recognized month in which events are held to raise awareness and prevent or reduce domestic violence.
Once again, Auburn has made it a point to try and raise awareness of domestic violence and its consequences.
On Tuesday, Oct. 15, Cater Lawn was the host of the Silent Witness Roll Call and Candlelight Vigil.
The event featured speakers such as Caitlin Woods, a survivor of domestic violence, Lisa-Jackson Stephenson, executive director of the Domestic Violence Intervention Center, and William Shallock, who took a stand against domestic violence and told stories of his experiences with it.
Afterward, the names of all victims who died during the past year in Alabama as a result of domestic violence were read aloud.
A purple balloon was released for each individual as his or her name was read. This was followed by a candlelight vigil for those individuals.
"This is the first time I have been to (the Silent Witness Roll Call.) It was a good experience because we got to hear people speak who had been through, and survived, domestic violence," said Natalie Adcock, sophomore in business. "I really appreciate them opening up their lives to complete strangers, because I'm sure it is not easy."
Also, in front of Cater Hall was a Silent Witness exhibit in which numerous wooden silhouette cutouts were spread out in representation of those who had been killed by their partners. Attached to the cutouts were stories of local individuals who lost their lives to domestic violence throughout the past year.
After the roll call of people who lost their lives from domestic violence, members of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority released balloons into the air, each with a name of a victim of Domestic Violence.
In the attempt to raise awareness of domestic violence, Auburn has launched a Zero Tolerance Campaign.
Signs across Auburn's campus, marked with a purple ribbon, help outline facts of domestic violence and how to get help for domestic violence issues.
"I think they would have more of an impact if they stuck out a little bit more," said Stanford Hornsby, undeclared sophomore. "It might grab people's attention and before they know it, they have learned something new."
On Saturday, Oct. 28, Auburn will conclude the Domestic Violence Awareness Month with an event called "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes."
The event will begin at 2 p.m. on the green space.
"Participants will walk a mile in a pair of high heels to benefit local survivors of domestic violence," said Bonnie Wilson, diversity intiatives coordinator. "Both men and women are encouraged to wear high heels because it's what makes the experience so eye opening. However, tennis shoes are allowed if participants would rather wear them."
Wilson said since both men and women are affected by domestic violence, they shoud both participate in all Domestic Violence Awareness Month events.
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