Public Safety:Domestic Violence Awareness
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and October 1 is the second annual "Work To End Domestic Violence Day." The University of Pennsylvania is joining employers in Philadelphia and across the country to help work to end domestic violence.
One in three Americans has witnessed an incident of domestic violence, and almost four million women are physically abused by their husbands or boyfriends every year. In 1995-96, nearly 30,000 women asked for help from Philadelphia's four domestic violence service agencies. The emotional and physical toll of domestic violence on our employees and in communties throughout Philadelphia is tremendous, and we at Penn can make a difference.
You can take part in our efforts to put a stop to domestic violence. This month, watch for flyers about specific events, including:
September 28-October 4:
Book displays, Penn Bookstore and Van Pelt Library
October 1
- 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Lunchtime Resource Table, Faculty Club
- noon- 2 p.m.
- Rally on College Green: Speakers and Resource Tables
- 1:15-3:15 p.m.
- Panel on A Practical Approach to Domestic Violence for Clinical
and Nonclinical Personnel, with Dr.Janice Asher of Student Health,
Dr. Elizabeth Datner of HUP/ER, Paul Bukovec of Menergy, (a treatment
group for malebatterers, and a representative from Women Against Abuse;
Alumni Hall, Maloney Building at HUP, 36th and Spruce Streets
Other things members of the University can do:
- Watch for lunchtime brown-bag seminars.
- Participate in a fundraising drive to help local domestic violence programs.
- Take one of the bumper stickers, buttons, or stickers given out October 1, and display it to let the rest of the community know there's no excuse for domestic violence.
- If you are living with domestic violence, remember that the University has resources that can help. Contact Special Services in Public Safety, 898-4481; Penn Women's Center, 898-8611; and/or Penn Friends, (employee assistance program) 1-888-321-4433.
There are also other resources in the Philadelphia area staffed with people who want to help you. Any of the above offices can provide you with the agency names and telephone numbers.
-- Susan A. Hawkins, Director, Special Services/Division
of Public Safety
Almanac, Vol. 45, No. 5, September 29, 1998