October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and as part of the effort to raise awareness surrounding domestic and dating violence and to show support for victims and survivors of interpersonal violence, the U of A and the Office of Title IX will be observing #PurpleThursday on Thursday, Oct. 20.

The entire campus community is encouraged to join in solidarity with domestic violence victims and survivors by wearing shades of purple throughout the day and using the hashtag #PurpleThursday on social media.

“Raising awareness to reduce domestic violence is something that the entire campus community can work on together.” said Shanita Pettaway, U of A Director of Title IX Compliance and Title IX coordinator.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, each day an average of 20,000 calls are placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide. In Arkansas, 40.8 percent of women and 34.8 percent of men experience intimate partner physical violence, sexual violence and/or stalking in their lifetimes.  

Launched in October 1987, Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a national, collaborative effort of connection and union among organizations, individuals, institutions of higher education and various other community constituents to raise awareness for domestic violence related issues. For more information on Domestic Violence Awareness Month, please visit https://ncadv.org/2022DVAM.

There are many on-campus resources available for anyone who may be experiencing domestic violence, sexual harassment or any other form of sex-based discrimination, including the Title IX Office, the Campus Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence Center and U of A Cares.

Incidents of sexual harassment, misconduct, assault, and discrimination may be reported to the university through report.uark.edu.