October is Domestic Violence Awareness month, and in its honor, select campus dining facilities are displaying “Empty Place at the Table” installations. The tables are set with purple centerpieces and the narratives of individuals in Northwest Ohio who lost their lives to domestic violence.
The color purple, which is associated with domestic violence awareness and represents support for those impacted by domestic violence, will be displayed across campus through the month.
Located in dining areas on Main Campus and UTMC, the “Empty Place at the Table” installations are set with purple centerpieces and the narratives of individuals in Northwest Ohio who lost their lives to domestic violence.
The stories on display at the tables are on loan from the Silent Witness Project housed within Bethany House, a long-term shelter in Northwest Ohio for individuals escaping domestic violence with their children.
Narratives such as below can be found at the installations located in the dining areas of Thompson Student Union, Ottawa House East, North Engineering Building, Carlson Library and the Four Seasons Bistro at The University of Toledo Medical Center.
Melissa Shoop, 31, was a graduate of Maumee High School and attended Owens Community College. The mother of two daughters, she loved being around children and was considered a compassionate person with a can-do spirit and great work ethic.
On Oct. 21, 2019, Melissa was shot to death by her estranged boyfriend, John Belew, as she sat on her front porch with friends. Belew, who turned the gun on himself after killing Melissa, had a long history of violence against her. He stalked, threatened and assaulted Melissa repeatedly for years. Despite multiple arrests, felony domestic violence convictions, a prison record and Melissa’s protection orders against him in multiple jurisdictions, Belew was on the street. Melissa is survived by her daughters, parents and two brothers.
One friend described her this way: “She was the nicest person. That will be what she instilled in her children.”
The installations are a powerful reminder that the tragic deaths of these individuals left an empty place — not only in the lives of their families but also in the community.
“Every year we look for ways to expand awareness and collaborate with partners across campus,” said Vicky Kulicke, director of Title IX and compliance and Title IX coordinator. “Projects and partnerships like this one help us achieve our goal of educating the community on the issues of sexual misconduct, including domestic and intimate partner violence. The goal of the ‘Empty Place at the Table’ installation is to provide opportunities for the campus community to engage in thoughtful and critical conversations within their own comfort level.”
“For every meal we get to share this upcoming holiday season, it’s important to recognize and remember that there is a family out there suffering from the devastating loss of a loved one due to domestic violence,” said Josh Krupinski, director of Food and Nutrition Services. “It is our duty to remember those victims and ensure their message is shared with our UToledo community.
“The Four Seasons Bistro at UTMC and 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 of how deeply domestic violence impacts the lives of everyone it touches. Thank you for taking the time to remember these victims with us.”
UToledo’s Title IX Office ensures compliance with federal law. The Title IX Office 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 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 or visit the UToledo Title IX website.
