October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Oct. 23 is Purple Thursday. The UToledo campus community is encouraged to come together and wear purple in support of those impacted by domestic violence. This day of awareness also sends a clear message: domestic violence will not be tolerated within our campus community.
According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, as of 2021, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men will experience sexual violence, physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner. Domestic violence affects people everywhere, including in Toledo.
At The University of Toledo, the Title IX Office is committed to raising awareness about domestic violence. On Purple Thursday, the Title IX Office will distribute bowls of purple ribbons to participating offices across campus. The Title IX Office also will be tabling in Thompson Student Union from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., passing out purple ribbons. Anyone in the campus community is welcome to take a ribbon and show their support.
“As a Title IX student ambassador, I believe awareness is the first step toward change,” said Saakshi Risam, Title IX student ambassador. “Wearing purple on Purple Thursday is a simple yet meaningful action that reminds survivors they are not alone and that UToledo is committed to creating a campus culture rooted in respect, safety and support.”
Wearing purple and displaying these ribbons not only demonstrates solidarity with those impacted by domestic violence but also conveys a powerful message: There is no place for domestic violence, in homes, workplaces, schools or neighborhoods.
“Annually we are presented with a unique way of raising awareness and educating our communities through a public display of support,” said Michael La Torre, associate director of Title IX and Compliance and senior deputy Title IX coordinator. “Domestic violence impacts people in all walks of life and can lead to lasting rippling effects that can be immeasurable.
“I encourage everyone to join UToledo’s Title IX Office in showing solidarity this Purple Thursday by wearing purple and/or a purple ribbon.”
You can join the Title IX Office’s Purple Thursday Instagram campaign and help bring awareness to the impact of domestic violence by taking a picture wearing purple or a purple ribbon and tagging @UToledoTitleIX for a chance to be featured on their story.
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 prevention education program, where to report an incident related to Title IX or additional resources, call 419.530.4191, email titleix@utoledo.edu, stop by the office in Snyder Memorial Room 1120 or visit the UToledo Title IX website.
