In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, The University of Toledo’s Title IX Office presents its annual Empty Place at the Table and Purple Ribbon campaigns to raise awareness of the harm domestic violence causes in the community and to honor those impacted.
Throughout October, the Empty Place at the Table installation honors the lives of individuals from the Toledo community who have died because of domestic violence. Their stories will be displayed at tables within various eateries around campus to represent the place at the table that is left empty because of domestic violence. The stories are shared through a partnership with the Silent Witness Project, housed within Bethany House, a long-term shelter in Northwest Ohio for individuals escaping domestic violence.
Throughout October, the Empty Place at the Table installation honors the lives of individuals from the Toledo community who have died because of domestic violence. Their stories will be displayed at tables within various eateries around campus to represent the place at the table that is left empty because of domestic violence.
The table displays will be located in the dining areas of Thompson Student Union, Social House at Ottawa House East, Carlson Library Starbucks, the Law Center and the Four Seasons Bistro at the University of Toledo Medical Center.
“Rocket Dining is honored to continue partnering with the Title IX Office to help raise awareness about domestic violence,” said Aaron Skees, director of marketing for Rocket Dining. “We hope these displays encourage our campus community to reflect and recognize that each story represents a life, while reminding those who may be struggling that support is available.”
The Purple Ribbon campaign will also spread awareness throughout the month with purple ribbons wrapped around light poles in Centennial Mall on Main Campus and in the courtyard between Mulford Library and the Main Hospital on Health Science Campus. Each purple ribbon will include a QR code linking to stories shared through the Silent Witness Project and Bethany House. The QR codes will also connect individuals with important resources, including information about Bethany House and the UToledo Title IX Office.
The Title IX Office also encourages campus community members to take part in Purple Thursday, Oct. 15, by wearing purple. The Title IX Office will distribute bowls of purple ribbons to participating offices and locations across campus for an additional way for the community to send messages of support to those who have been impacted by domestic violence.
“One of the most important things we can do during Domestic Violence Awareness Month is to make sure people understand that these are not just statistics. These are real people, families and communities that have been impacted by domestic violence,” said Charles Ludwig, associate director of Title IX and Compliance and senior deputy Title IX coordinator.
“We hope the Empty Place at the Table and Purple Ribbon campaigns give our campus community an opportunity to remember those whose lives have been lost, support those who have been impacted and recognize that help is available.”
Community members, offices and organizations that wish to take part in the Title IX Office’s Purple Thursday Instagram campaign can take a picture wearing purple or a purple ribbon and email the photo to TitleIX@utoledo.edu or share the photo on Instagram and tag @UToledoTitleIX. Together, we can send the message that domestic violence will not be tolerated by the UToledo community and demonstrate solidarity with victims.
UToledo’s Title IX Office ensures compliance with federal law, investigates reports of sexual misconduct, implements supportive measures when necessary and works to remedy the effects of sexual misconduct.
For more information about Title IX, the Sexual Misconduct Prevention Education program or how to report an incident related to Title IX or additional resources, call 419.530.4191, email TitleIX@utoledo.edu, visit the office in Snyder Memorial Building Room 1120 or visit the UToledo Title IX website.
