STCC puts spotlight on Domestic Violence Awareness and Action Month

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. –  Springfield Technical Community College will recognize National Domestic Violence Awareness and Action Month with a series of on-campus events starting Monday, Oct. 16.

The Be Empowered Project, a new campus initiative focused on violence prevention and counseling/advocacy services for those affected by violence, invites the public to participate in any of the schedule events, including the “Clothesline Project,” a powerful display from local survivors.

STCC is working in partnership with the YWCA of Western Massachusetts to bring the Clothesline Project to the campus green on Oct. 19, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The project, which originated in Hyannis in 1990, is made up of T-shirts created over the years by survivors of domestic violence in Hampden County.

The Clothesline Project will be followed by a candlelight vigil, co-sponsored by the YWCA, scheduled from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the green (rain location for both events: Scibelli Hall Theater in Building 2).

The vigil will feature several inspiring speakers who will share their stories through compelling storytelling and poetry. Speakers include former Hampden County prosecutor and current YWCA Executive Director Elizabeth Dineen and survivor Danielle Sicard.

“We hope to not only increase awareness for the many nuanced manifestations of intimate partner violence but also encourage our community members to act by supporting victims and/or survivors by cultivating and promoting healthy, respectful relationships,” said Amber Connors, violence prevention project coordinator at STCC.

Besides the Clothesline Project and Candlelight Vigil on Thursday, Oct. 19, the following events are scheduled:

Red Flag Campaign, Monday, Oct. 16-Friday, Oct. 27, an ongoing educational campaign:

The Red Flag Campaign is based on the idea that if someone sees a “red flag” or warning sign of relationship violence, say something. Posters and utility-sized red flags will be displayed around campus to promote this message.

Be Empowered Fair, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., campus green (rain location: Building 2, Scibelli Hall Gym)

The Be Empowered Fair seeks to engage the STCC community in a dialogue on healthy relationships. The fair – which will feature music, food and dialogue on healthy relationships – will also be an opportunity for campus and community resources to promote the services they provide to support those affected by violence.

Clothesline Project, Thursday, Oct. 19, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., campus green (rain location: Building 2- Scibelli Hall Theater)

See details above.

Candlelight Vigil, Thursday, Oct. 19, 5 p.m.-6 p.m., campus green (rain location: Building 2-Scibelli Hall Theater)

See details above.

Survivor Theater Project Workshop, Oct. 23, 12:30 p.m.-2 p.m., Building 2-Scibelli Hall, Rooms 701 and 702

The Survivor Theater Project, a non-profit from Boston, will present a workshop titled “We Survivors Speak! Intersectionality, Sexual Violence, and the Power of Expressive Arts.” The workshop will focus on ways in which sexual violence is embedded into systems of power, used both currently and historically as a tool to oppress, silence, and isolate survivors of sexual violence that live at the intersections of multiple marginalities. The workshop will bring together movement, vocalization and Theatre of the Oppressed techniques to open up deeper dialogue on confronting and healing trauma.

For more information about Domestic Violence Awareness and Action Month at STCC, contact Amber Connors at aconnors@stcc.edu or call (413) 755-5329.

How to get help if you’ve been affected by violence

If you would like to speak with a counselor from the YWCA of Western Massachusetts local-rape crisis center, please contact their 24/7 hotline at (413) 733-7100. For help in Español, call (800) 796-8711.

About Springfield Technical Community College

Founded in 1967 and located on 35 acres of the Springfield Armory National Historic Site, STCC is a major resource for the economic vitality of Western Massachusetts. As the only technical community college in Massachusetts, STCC, a designated Hispanic Serving Institution and an Achieving the Dream Leader College, offers a variety of career programs unequalled in the state. STCC’s highly regarded transfer programs in business, engineering, liberal arts, science and technology continue to provide the most economical options for students pursuing a four-year degree. With an annual enrollment of more than 7,700 day, evening, weekend and online students, STCC is a vibrant campus rich in diversity.

For more information about STCC, visit www.stcc.edu. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@S_T_C_C).

CONTACT INFORMATION:

• Amber Connors, Violence Prevention Project Coordinator, (413) 755-5329, aconnors@stcc.edu
• Jim Danko, Coordinator of Media Relations, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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