Voices Against Violence educating campus on domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking

September 30, 2002

AUSTIN, Texas—In observation of Dating and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, The University of Texas at Austin's Voices Against Violence (VAV) Project is holding a rally from 7-9 p.m., Friday, Oct. 4 on the Main Mall.

The event is a tribute to those who suffer domestic or dating violence and a celebration of those who have survived and triumphed over it, according to event organizers.

The evening will include live music, guest speakers who are domestic violence survivors or advocates, a video presentation and a memorial observation.

In addition to the rally, VAV also will be showing the video The Quiet Storm from 7:30-9 p.m., Monday, Oct. 21 in Welch Hall, room 3.502. The video depicts an enactment of a college dating relationship that gradually turns violent. The video will be followed by a discussion led by Christina Kelly LeCluyse, the counseling specialist for VAV.

Students associated with the Voices Against Violence Project will be on campus throughout October, distributing information about domestic and dating violence, ways to get involved with the VAV Project, and campus and Austin-area services and resources for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.

The VAV Project is funded by a U.S. Department of Justice grant and is housed on campus in the Counseling and Mental Health Center on the fifth floor of the Student Services Building. The VAV Project provides counseling and advocacy services regarding sexual assault, dating/domestic violence and stalking for students and the spouses of international students. It also offers educational programs on these topics to students, faculty, staff and organizations at The University of Texas at Austin.

For more information contact: Pamela Cook, Voices Against Violence Program Coordinator, 512-475-6988, or Kay Randall, Office of Public Affairs, 512-232-3910.