Spring Break
VIEW raises domestic abuse awareness
Alisha Khanna, Kaitlin LaCost
Issue date: 10/5/07 Section: News
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Lynne Raju of the Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County spoke about understanding and preventing dating and domestic abuse at the first Violence Information and Education for Women (VIEW) meeting on Oct. 3.
Raju, a former intern of DAP and a fourth year psychology major at Temple University, stressed that students, especially those who are college-aged, should be educated in abuse.
"[College students] are starting to get into deep relationships at this point in their lives. They're looking for significant others and their soul mates," Raju said.
In its second year of operation, VIEW's mission is to "prevent violence against women through education and awareness."
Alex Johnson, president and founder of VIEW, said: "We really want to help freshmen adjust to college life. They're in a new environment and don't know their resources. We just want to get this out there."
Along with speaking about prevention and helping victims, Raju also covered ways to help those in need.
"Abuse is not racist. I've seen it happen to lawyers, doctors, teachers and children. It could literally happen to anyone. My main advice to friends of victims is to listen," Raju said. "Look for hints in behavior and offer support - victims feel like it's their fault and are ashamed to ask for help on their own."
According to the National Center for Victims of Crime, nearly one in eight women have been the victims of forcible rape in their lifetimes. One in four women are subject to domestic violence, and in 2005 alone, 203,000 females were recorded victims of domestic abuse.
VIEW was established as the result of a Department of Justice grant as a part of the Campus Community Consortium, which is a collaborative effort along with University of Pennsylvania and the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia to help promote awareness about abusive relationships in the Philadelphia area.
VIEW sponsors self-defense classes as well as a Philadelphia area summit for surrounding campuses, which includes speakers and workshops. In addition, the organization participates in World AIDS day and the Philadelphia AIDS walk.
Drexel offers support to victims of abuse through the Drexel Student Counseling Center. The Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline also offers 24-hour support at 1-866-SAFE-014.
Raju, a former intern of DAP and a fourth year psychology major at Temple University, stressed that students, especially those who are college-aged, should be educated in abuse.
"[College students] are starting to get into deep relationships at this point in their lives. They're looking for significant others and their soul mates," Raju said.
In its second year of operation, VIEW's mission is to "prevent violence against women through education and awareness."
Alex Johnson, president and founder of VIEW, said: "We really want to help freshmen adjust to college life. They're in a new environment and don't know their resources. We just want to get this out there."
Along with speaking about prevention and helping victims, Raju also covered ways to help those in need.
"Abuse is not racist. I've seen it happen to lawyers, doctors, teachers and children. It could literally happen to anyone. My main advice to friends of victims is to listen," Raju said. "Look for hints in behavior and offer support - victims feel like it's their fault and are ashamed to ask for help on their own."
According to the National Center for Victims of Crime, nearly one in eight women have been the victims of forcible rape in their lifetimes. One in four women are subject to domestic violence, and in 2005 alone, 203,000 females were recorded victims of domestic abuse.
VIEW was established as the result of a Department of Justice grant as a part of the Campus Community Consortium, which is a collaborative effort along with University of Pennsylvania and the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia to help promote awareness about abusive relationships in the Philadelphia area.
VIEW sponsors self-defense classes as well as a Philadelphia area summit for surrounding campuses, which includes speakers and workshops. In addition, the organization participates in World AIDS day and the Philadelphia AIDS walk.
Drexel offers support to victims of abuse through the Drexel Student Counseling Center. The Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline also offers 24-hour support at 1-866-SAFE-014.
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