It is once again October; Halloween decorations are being put up, the Pumpkin Spice Latte is back and we are finally getting some chill, autumn weather. Domestic violence is not necessarily what comes to mind, but for people a part of organizations such as the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), it is always relevant. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). According to the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV) webpage, DVAM originated from the ‘Day of Unity’ that took place in October 1981 and was created by the NCADV. The goal of DVAM was to connect advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children. This year marks the 30th anniversary of DVAM, the first DVAM took place in October 1987.

Although it has been an ongoing event, it is not given the attention it deserves. When asked if she knew when DVAM was or the color associated with it, first-year Erna Osmanovic could not answer the questions. However, she agrees that it is important.

“We need this month, awareness needs to be increased,” Osmanovic said.

According to the NCADV, on average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men. The NCADV resource page includes an abundance of websites and phone numbers that provide resources and assistance for victims and survivors of domestic violence, such as The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE).

At Hamline, the Women’s Resource Center (WRC) is a place for students to get assistance, inform themselves and get supplies.

“[The WRC]is open to all gender identities,” Intern Ashley Zukowski said, “[and has] a wide variety of resources [such as] literature on different issues, products for women [including] menstrual products, condoms and pregnancy tests.”

Zukowski also made it a point to say that the WRC is a safe space for everyone, whether it be to get help or just do homework.

During DVAM, the WRC will be hosting Take Back The Campus, an event focused on gender-based violence. This will take place October 19, from 4-7 p.m. on the Anderson front lawn and patio.

“The point is to bring attention to and support victims of all forms of gender based violence,” Zuckowski said.

The event will include a resource fair and rally with performers and keynote speaker, and also different tables with both on campus and community programs.

As breast cancer is associated with the color pink, and uses it to increase awareness by making the association recognizable, domestic violence is associated with the color purple. According to an article by domesticshelters.org, the purple is a variation of lavender that was used during the women’s suffrage movement. For more information, the WRC is always open to volunteers. They are open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. or send them an email at WRC@hamline.edu.