AWC breaks silence on domestic violence

  In commemoration of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Arizona Western College presents a series of events to inform everyone of services to combat the phenomenon and show that love should not hurt.

   AWC and Northern Arizona University-Yuma Violence Prevention Program is beginning its "breaking the silence campaign" to alert students and surrounding Yuma County about the well-kept secret of not only domestic violence but date abuse, sexual assault and stalking, Teri Lambert, program coordinator, noted.

  "It's about educating the community of what the issues are, speaking out against it, and interrupting the cycle," Lambert said.

  The program kicked off a Domestic Violence Awareness Fair on Thursday at the Learning Resources building. Agencies from across Yuma County provided information about available services to victims. Staff members walked attendees through the system and helped with referrals for counseling or even filing a police report.

  Recent studies show a 75 percent increased likelihood of homicide involving intimate partners during or after separation, Lambert noted. And although some victims stay with partners because they still love them, the real question should be Why do abusers abuse?, Lambert noted.

  "It's a learned behavior adopted into their lives, not something they are born with," Lambert said. "Not all people who grow up in abusive situations turn out to be abusers but a majority of abusers did grow up in abusive homes."

  Abusers are known to be good manipulators and "come off" as Prince Charming to make a woman believe he is everything she wants him to be, Lambert said.

  Early warning signs of abuse often start with the abuser showing excessive jealousy or controlling behavior.

  Frequently the abuser resorts to yelling or name calling, causing the victim to lose self-esteem and confidence, Lambert said. It may escalate to physical aggression that doesn't necessarily result in injury.

  But once a victim knows they are ready to leave an abusive situation, they should develop a safety plan and contact help such as Amberly's Place, Yuma County advocacy agencies or they may e-mail Lambert at teri.lambert@azwestern.edu

  "Studies have shown that children who witness intimate abuse have a higher risk of alcoholism or substance abuse," Lambert said. "And women who grew up witnessing abuse may find themselves more likely in an abusive relationship than those in healthy relationships."

  On Sunday, AWC will present a movie under the stars with the domestic violence awareness movie night. Between 7 and 9 p.m. they will screen "Sleeping With The Enemy" in the quad area. The movie stars Julia Roberts as a wife who seems to have everything, but must escape from a possessive, controlling husband who begins to abuse her.

  The movie is free and popcorn will be provided. A short documentary will precede the feature.

 Also planned, at the AWC Matadors football game on Oct. 18, is a domestic violence prevention presentation during halftime ceremonies that will feature AWC President Don Schoening, NAU-Yuma Campus Executive Officer Larry Gould, Yuma Mayor Larry Nelson and Yuma County Supervisor Russell McCloud.

  At halftime,  purple balloons will be released along with a purple light ceremony, and Matador football players will wear purple tape on their ankles or wrists to show solidarity.

  "We want people to see that AWC/NAU-Yuma is serious about doing their part to help people find help and make the community aware to do our part to reduce domestic violence," Lambert said.

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William Roller can be reached at
qwroller@yumasun.com or 539-6858.