Violence is an everyday occurrence. It happens everywhere, 24/7. How can those who want to stop violence make a change? It is simple: speak up. If you know someone who is a victim/survivor of any violence where they feel they have no voice due to this trauma, speaking up can make this change.

Domestic Violence is a form of altercation between spouses or close relatives. It can and more than likely will traumatize a spouse or relative receiving the painful abuse in said altercation.  If you are a victim and need someone to talk to about your experience with domestic abuse, call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit the website: https://www.thehotline.org/help/  to talk with an advocate.

Sexual assault, abuse, misconduct, rape and other forms of abuse that are sexually motivated can occur between family members (incest), a random attack, or a planned attack. If you or someone you know is a victim/survivor in need of someone to talk to, call 800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit the website at https://www.rainn.org/.

Most times, these cases are difficult to solve due to the perpetrator cleaning the area where the crime was committed, where they will likely not be linked to the crime. This includes cleaning fingerprints, cleaning the victim and physically moving the victim to another location whether they are dead or alive.

Students, faculty, staff and the rest of society can make a difference for a victim/survivor of violence. You have to be a voice for that person. Most of the time, the victim/survivor feels intimidated; they are traumatized and feel they have no one to talk to and no voice for their grievance or sympathy. Victims/survivors are likely to keep the altercation to themselves. They fall into depressions, form anxiety and have conflicting thoughts ramble inside their minds. They need a voice to stand up and defend them; not only in court, but in both public and in private.

I am encouraging you or someone you may know who is a victim/survivor of this kind of violence, please stand up be the voice they need.