October is Domestic Violence Awareness month and UMKC is providing support and resources for survivors of domestic violence.
Anyone can be affected by domestic violence both directly and indirectly. Young adults especially should be aware of the effects domestic violence can have and the signs to look out for.
One of the main resources on campus for domestic violence situations is RISE or Resources, Intervention, Support and Education.
RISE is a confidential support office that is available to any student for any severity of issue regarding domestic violence. Throughout the month, there will be events put on by RISE and the Women’s Center where students can show solidarity or support.
“If we, as a community, can show that we all care about survivors and that we all care about making our community safer, that’s super impactful,” the Director of RISE Alyson Frydman said.
The office exists to talk through any and all questions or unknowns regarding the topic. If further support is needed, they work closely with the Office of Equity & Title IX and the counseling services.
Domestic violence can include any issue in which one person has power over the other in a relationship. This could be through family relations or a romantic partnership.
“Domestic violence can impact anyone of any age, any race, any gender and any sexual orientation,” Frydman said.
RISE also has resources for shelters off campus such as Hope House, MOCSA, Newhouse KC and Rose Brooks to name a few.
Safe House KC provides counseling, legal advocacy, community education, housing and healthcare advocacy.
Megan Magee, one of the directors at Safe House KC in 2023, stated they served approximately 2,800 people. They provided 5,400 classes and almost 16,500 beds to shelter survivors.
Purple is the color that represents domestic violence awareness month. NewHouse KC, a domestic violence shelter, has partnered with many places around Kansas City to light up in purple lights.
UMKC and RISE will also be partnering with NewHouse KC this month by lighting up the Roo Statue with purple lights.
By posting a photo on social media with the hashtag, #NewhouseKC, in front of the purple Roo, the photo will be shown on a billboard in Kansas City.
