Be Aware of Domestic Violence, Resources for STLCC Students
Domestic violence, intimate partner violence, dating violence, domestic abuse.
Though it goes by many names, the pattern is the same. One partner in an intimate relationship uses abusive and coercive tactics to gain and maintain power and control over another.
October annually is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, yet the issue is one that should be recognized throughout the year. Recent estimates indicate that approximately 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men will experience some form of domestic violence in their lifetime. They report impacts such as injury, fear and a need for services as a result. Statistically speaking, it is almost impossible not to know a former or current victim of domestic violence.
Many people assume that physical violence must be present for a relationship to be abusive, but this is not accurate. Victims may experience any combination of emotional, psychological, physical, and sexual violence, financial abuse, and stalking, all intended to terrorize and keep them under control.
St. Louis Community College offers resources and support to students who may be experiencing domestic violence through the Student Assistance program or counseling. Both offices welcome students who are facing domestic violence, as a place to receive support such as developing emotional and physical safety plans.
The resources are free and confidential. Victims also have the opportunity to file a report with a campus Title IX coordinator. Faculty or staff who are concerned about students are encouraged to refer them to campus resources and to file reports to the Behavioral Intervention Team, which provides care and concern to students in need.
Off campus, organizations such as the YWCA Metro St. Louis, Safe Connections, ALIVE and Life Source Consultants provide advocacy, safety planning and counseling to victims impacted by domestic violence, free of charge.
Often, victims of domestic violence feel blamed and judged. Or, they feel ignored and may feel that others do not want to get involved.
“We recognize it is our responsibility as professionals, educators and fellow humans to support survivors and connect them to life-altering resources, available both on and off campus,” says Shannon Nicholson, coordinator of the Student Assistance program at Meramec.
If you think a student may be at risk of domestic violence, please encourage him or her to seek help through the Student Assistance program at any STLCC campus, or refer them to local resources. The Student Assistance programs also can help you obtain more information about recognizing and responding to domestic violence.