Throughout October, the University of Miami Title IX Office will collaborate with University partners to commemorate Domestic Violence Awareness Month. A series of events and programs will highlight the increase of intimate partner violence during the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine and raise recognition about support and available resources.
“It’s always important to recognize the impact of domestic violence but even more so this year because there has been a rise in cases as a side effect to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Maria Sevilla, deputy Title IX coordinator. “It is more important than ever to raise awareness, provide resources, and show support for individuals who are in abusive relationships during this particularly difficult time.”
“The University supports domestic violence victims by offering counseling services available through the Counseling Center and the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program, as well as other internal resources and referrals to outside agencies,” added Sevilla. “If you know someone, or if you yourself are experiencing domestic violence or dating violence, we recommend that you reach out to our office for a personalized review of the options and resources specific to your case. We are here to help,” she said.
To kick off the October programming, the Title IX Office is partnering with the Department of Sociology and the gender and sexuality studies program to host “Domestic Violence in Times of COVID” on Thursday, Oct. 7. During this virtual session, Alex Piquero, professor and chair of the Department of Sociology, will present and discuss his groundbreaking research about how quarantines spurred by coronavirus safety precautions have increased physical abuse across the nation and around the world.
Another highlight of this year’s schedule is “Breaking the Cycle: A Panel Discussion on Domestic Violence,” on Thursday, Oct. 21. This interactive discussion will feature Steven Paulson, senior domestic violence attorney at legal aid; Constance Collins, president and executive director of Lotus House; and Audrey Cleary, licensed clinical psychologist specializing in relationship violence.
Other events being organized as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month include: The Clothesline Project, Purple Thursday, and an interactive session on healthy relationships. Visit miami.edu/titleix for a list of events and to register.
Title IX is a federal civil rights law passed as part of the Education Amendments of 1972. This law protects people from discrimination based on sex in educational programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. Covered persons at educational institutions are protected by Title IX—regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, part- or full-time status, disability, race, or national origin—in all aspects of the institution’s educational programs and activities.
Visit the University’s Title IX website for more information.
