Domestic violence awareness programming targets recent rise

Domestic violence is on the rise in South Florida, and experts say stress factors such as the economy are to blame.

Yesterday, Oct. 21, Women in Distress of Broward County reported that they are counseling twice as many clients as they did at this time last year. A story on the report is available here (www.local10.com/news/17768483/detail.html)

To help cope with this rise in domestic violence, Barry University will be hosting a variety of events in the next several weeks – all aimed at raising awareness of domestic violence, and generating funds and resources for those suffering from it.

The programming kicks off with a moment of silence Monday, Nov. 3 and continues by getting students, faculty and members of Miami-Dade communities involved in projects such as The National Clothesline Project, a survivors’ panel, a baby shower to collect goods for women and children in South Florida shelters and final candlelight vigil.

I wanted to give you a heads up about this programming, especially as we continue to see disturbing local and national spikes in domestic violence.

I’ve listed some media opportunities that may be of interest for you below:

National Clothesline Project
Ongoing photo opportunity. Shirts will be painted with messages against violence and hung around campus throughout November. Dates where students, faculty and staff will decorate these shirts are Tuesday, Nov. 4, Tuesday, Nov. 18 and Tuesday, Nov. 25.

Survivors’ Panel
Thursday, Nov. 6, 7 p.m.
A panel of domestic violence survivors will share their experiences. Expert panelists will also share their perspectives, including legal implications and specific issues for immigrant victims.

Lieutenant Joseph Schillaci of A&E’s “The First 48”
Sunday, Nov. 23, 3 p.m.
Lieutenant Schillaci is a 24-year veteran of the Miami-Dade police department, and will be presenting on domestic violence and bullying. Local middle schools, high schools and church youth groups are being invited to this event, to spread his message of non-violence to those outside the Barry community.

Community-wide Domestic Violence Vigil
Wednesday, Dec. 3
Candlelight vigil for victims of domestic violence.