October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In recognition, the University of Toledo’s Title IX Office will exhibit the annual Purple Ribbon and Empty Place at the Table campaigns. The color purple, symbolic of domestic violence awareness, is highlighted throughout the month to show support for those who have been impacted.
“It’s important for the community to recognize the impact domestic violence can have on an individual’s life and on the community. Domestic violence leads to lost lives and leaves an empty place, not only at the dining table, but in the hearts of loved ones and the community,” said Brittany Kupresanin, manager of Title IX Compliance, Prevention and Assessment.
“Empty Place at the Table” installations will be on display at various on-campus dining facilities during October for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
The Empty Place at the Table installations represent how many lives are lost because of domestic violence. At each empty table setting, the story of a local victim of domestic violence is displayed. These stories are part of the Northwest Ohio Silent Witness Project and are on loan from Bethany House, a long-term shelter in Northwest Ohio for victims and their children who are escaping domestic violence.
The Empty Place at the Table installations can be found at tables located in dining areas of Thompson Student Union, Carlson Library’s Starbucks, Ottawa House East, North Engineering Building and the Four Seasons Bistro at The University of Toledo Medical Center.
“Each Fall Semester brings vibrance and life to our halls and communal spaces, as new students explore the campus with hope and awe, while the older students reconnect with their classmates and look on toward their goals,” said Joshua Krupinski, director of Food and Nutrition Services. “It’s a wonderful thing to see our dining spaces filled to the brim with such energy, laughter, studying and excitement. As we build these lifelong memories together, it’s important to remember those who should have been there with us, the people who we hold an empty seat for at each meal. With so many families suffering from the catastrophic loss of a loved one due to domestic violence, it is our responsibility as a UToledo family to remember those victims and ensure their message is shared to our broader community. UToledo Health’s Food & Nutrition Services along with the University’s Title IX team are saddened, yet hopeful as we recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month through our ‘Empty Place at the Table’ campaign. The remembrances presented throughout the University serve to share the voices of those victims, and remind us all of how deeply domestic violence impacts the lives of everyone it touches.”
For Title IX’s Purple Ribbon Campaign, there will be purple ribbons wrapped around light poles in Centennial Mall on Main Campus and in the courtyard of UTMC and Mulford Library on the Health Science Campus.
Each ribbon will have a tag with a QR code that links to one of the stories from Bethany House, Silent Witness Project. The tags also provide contact information for the Title IX Office and information for the Silent Witness Project.
“These purple ribbons are displayed to spark conversation around domestic violence and ultimately draw awareness to this topic,” said Vicky Kulicke, director of Title IX and Compliance and Title IX Coordinator. “The Title IX Office encourages you to stop by these installations and read the stories of those who have been impacted in Lucas County and surrounding areas.”
UToledo’s Title IX Office ensures compliance with federal law. The Title IX Office may investigate reports of sexual misconduct, implement supportive measures when necessary and work to remedy the effects of sexual misconduct.
For more information about Title IX, the sexual misconduct education program, where to report an incident related to Title IX, or additional resources, call 419.530.4191, stop by the office in Snyder Memorial Building Room 1120 or visit the UToledo Title IX website.
