Penn State’s Gender Equity Center will host a variety of programs, workshops, and events throughout October to raise awareness for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Due to restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, domestic abuse concerns have increased worldwide, making this year’s events even more crucial. Through online programming, the Gender Equity Center hopes to give every student the opportunity to participate in Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

“We know that domestic violence thrives on silence, especially now, as the silent pandemic within the current COVID-19 pandemic,” Becca Geiger, assistant director of the Gender Equity Center, said. “Thus, we are refusing to stay silent on this topic, and provide awareness and support to victim survivors through the variety of program offerings throughout the month.”

Beginning October 6, the Gender Equity Center will provide in-person and virtual events for students and community members to learn about dating and domestic abuse and ways to can create a positive change in campus culture.

This month’s schedule of events include:

• Beverly Gooden and Geena Rocero Panel — October 6 @ 7 p.m. — Beverly Gooden is the creator of the #WhyIStayed movement, while Geena Rocero is a model and trans rights activist. The free event will be held online and requires tickets.

• Virtual Clothesline Project — October 6 @ 12 p.m. & October 15 @ 7 p.m. — Students can create shirts to provide support for survivors, share stories of a personal experience or that of someone close to you, or include messages taking a stand against violence. Shirts can be made through the entire month of October, but there are virtual shirt-making sessions held via Zoom that require registration.

• Zine Workshops for Activism and Action — October 7 @ 12 p.m. & October 13 @ 7 p.m. — Penn State Libraries and the Gender Equity Center are hosting a workshop to allow students to channel their passion and advocacy into a creative outlet — Zines. Attendees will learn about Zines and create their own 8-page Zine. Students can register for the event here.

• In-Person Clothesline Project — Week of October 19 — This event will be held at the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center and Pollock Cultural Lounge. The project is a visual display to give a voice to those who have been silenced by violence. The display in the PSC will include Center Safe’s Empty Place at the Table exhibit to honor and remember those in our community killed as a result of domestic violence

• Purple Thursday — October 22 — Students are asked to wear purple, share pictures on social media, tag @pennstategeneq, and hashtag #PurpleThursday2020. Participating individuals can tell their followers why they are wearing purple and share why they support survivors of dating and domestic abuse.