By Sayuri Vargas-Hernandez, Staff Writer
October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Know the signs. Your voice matters. Support your people and protect your peace, as well as others’.
At Saint Leo University, students, staff, and faculty work together to stop dating violence and domestic violence. The goal is to educate, support, and protect the campus community.
Students need to be aware of domestic violence because awareness helps protect individuals, families, and communities from harm.
Domestic violence is not just physical; it can also be emotional, financial, sexual, or psychological. It affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures, and often happens in silence.
When students understand what domestic violence looks like, they are likely to recognize the warning signs. These signs can include controlling behavior, isolation from friends or family, threats, or fear.
Awareness helps victims know they are not alone, and that help is available to them. It also encourages friends, family, and community members to speak up and support those in need.
“Some early red flags in relationships include constant yelling, obsessive location tracking, nonstop texts asking, ‘What are you doing?’ jokes that make you feel small, and the silent treatment, which may seem normal but can be a powerful form of emotional control. These behaviors aren’t signs of love; they’re signs to pause and protect your peace,” said Nathaniel Chavez, assistant director of student and family engagement. Chavez also used to work with Sunrise of Pasco County.
Support services are available to all students. Saint Leo offers free private counseling with licensed therapists who are available to all students. Students can reach them by phone, email, or in person to talk about their feelings, ask questions, and help with making a safety plan.
Therapy is also offered in Spanish and other languages to make sure everyone can get the help they need.
In emergencies, students can call 911 or contact Campus Safety at (352) 588-8432. Saint Leo takes all reports seriously and works quickly to protect students.
During October, the campus hosts events to raise awareness about domestic violence. These include poster displays, guest speakers, and student led discussions.
The primary goal is to make sure students feel seen, heard, and supported. Students are encouraged to share their stories and ask questions, knowing that their voices matter.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is not just about learning, but it is also about acting.
Raising awareness also breaks the stigma. Many victims feel ashamed or afraid to talk about their experiences. By educating others and creating safe spaces, we can help survivors feel heard and respected. This can lead to healing and change.
Domestic violence can be life-threatening. In the United States, nearly 20 people every minute experience abuse by an intimate partner. That adds up to over 10 million people each year.Awareness helps reduce these numbers by promoting prevention, early intervention, and strong support systems.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a time to learn and act.
With education, counseling, and outreach, the University is building a stronger and safer community for all.
