Join the Student Health and Counseling Center in recognition of National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

In 2020, the National College Student Bystander Intervention Study (NCSBIS), conducted by the With Us Center, surveyed Fresno State students. The survey asked students about intimate partner violence (IPV) which included dating violence. Sixteen percent (16%) of Fresno State students surveyed had witnessed IPV. Ninety-six percent (96%) of students believed they should say or do something if they witness IPV. Examples of ways students have intervened when witnessing IPV are verbally or nonverbally disapproving, and/or supporting the victim after. For those students who did not intervene, 27% reported “lack of skills” as the reason and 29% of students reported a “failure to diagnose” as a reason.

By joining together every February, we can spread awareness and stop dating abuse before it starts. You can find more information on this topic at loveisrepect.org. This helpful website covers how to help a friend, how to help yourself, relationship guides and resources. You can also help by providing students and staff presentations, training, and workshops on dating violence and IPV. If you want to know more or have concerns that this may be happening to someone you know please contact our Confidential Campus Survivor Advocate, Mindy Kates, at 559.278.6796 or survivoradvocate@csufresno.edu.

The Student Health and Counseling Center offers the campus community a variety of presentations such as Survivor Advocacy Explored, How to help a friend, Step Up bystander intervention, and a variety of Interpersonal violence topics. You can request this training by visiting fresnostate.edu/studentaffairs/health/wellness/request-presentation.html. Or contact Survivor Advocate, Mindy Kates, to explore which presentation is the right fit for your group.

Marjaree Mason Center is Fresno County’s local resource for those affected by dating/domestic violence. They have a 24-hour crisis hotline 559.233.HELP (4357).