October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. One in three women, one in four men, and nearly half of LGBTQ+ people will experience domestic violence in their lifetime (according to the National Network to End Domestic Violence). High rates of domestic violence are not private, individual problems; they require community solutions. By acknowledging this reality, we can collectively work towards ending domestic violence and creating safe, healthy communities for everyone.

On Thursday, Oct.17, we invite you to participate in National Wear Purple Day. Wear purple to show your support for survivors of domestic/dating violence and bring awareness so intimate partner violence will end. When you wear purple you are showing not only your friends and family that you are a safe and supportive person, but to the world that you stand behind ending domestic violence. To show your support, post a picture of yourself wearing purple using #PurpleThursday, #Every1KnowsSome1, tag @FSHealthCenter and @marjareemasoncenter.

If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic/dating violence, contact Fresno County local hotline, the Marjaree Mason Center at 559.233.4357 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800.799.7233. Faculty, staff, and students can also contact Campus Confidential Survivor Advocacy Services at 559.278.6896 or survivoradvocate@csufresno.edu.

You can also request training for your class, office or department, here.

Additional information on campus resources and options can be found at studentaffairs.fresnostate.edu/survivoradvocate/index.html.