Throughout October, the University of Miami Title IX Office collaborated with University partners to commemorate Domestic Violence Awareness Month with a variety of events and programs aimed at raising awareness and providing support to those affected.
A standout event during the month was the Safe Space Shelter Drive, which ran from Monday, Oct. 9, through Friday, Oct. 20. This initiative gave University community members on all three campuses the opportunity to donate toiletries and personal hygiene products for Safespace, an organization that helps provide an emergency safe haven for victims of domestic violence in Miami-Dade County.
“The response to the Safe Space Shelter Drive was truly remarkable. The University of Miami community demonstrated incredible generosity by donating an impressive number of toiletries and personal hygiene products,” said Beverly Pruitt, associate vice president for the Office of Workplace Equity and Inclusion and the University’s Title IX coordinator. “Hundreds of items were donated, showcasing the collective compassion and commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected by domestic violence.”
“These personal hygiene products and toiletries not only meet practical needs, but also send a powerful message,” said Maria Sevilla, deputy Title IX coordinator. “There is a community willing to stand beside those who have experienced violence.”
The success of this drive benefits the recipients and fosters a sense of solidarity and awareness that resonates throughout the entire campus, reinforcing the message that domestic violence has no place in our society.
In addition to the overwhelming support demonstrated through donations, the University of Miami organized a series of informational sessions and programs throughout the month.
The success of the Safe Space Shelter Drive and the participation during sessions highlight the University of Miami's dedication to combatting domestic and sexual violence. As we reflect on Domestic Violence Awareness Month, these achievements serve as a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when a community comes together to make a positive impact.
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.
